To Rule in Kansas City

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Take as much time as you need! Whatever you decide to do in the end, you know that we'll all be anxious to read it!

[CatKnight]

petrel: Thanks for the vote of confidence

gosensgo101: I think I can do better than that.

SrMeowMeow: Thanks

bwburke94: Forget McNamee. I want to know what he was doing with that poor weasel kit.

PotatoofCouch: Thanks

COMMENTS: So...I tell myself I'm taking some time off, maybe doing something new...and I end up writing five posts for THIS.

I suspect this is a warning sign of a severe psychosis.

Anyway, I am back and Winter Meetings are done. Here's what happened.
*******

Winter Meetings I

Some more bad news from about the time weasels chewed up that Ohio kid: Two baseball legends died.

Jackie Robinson (2B), the first black player in the modern Major Leagues, passed away at age 53.

Robinson played in the Negro Leagues before Branch Rickey noticed him and brought him to the Brooklyn Dodgers. In ten seasons (1947-56) he batted .311 with 137 HR, 734 RBI, 197 SB and 1,518 hits. Stat wise his best season would have been 1949: .342 16-124 in an era notable for very strong pitching, and 37 SB. He outlasted fans spitting on him, the ire of some of his own teammates (and many opponents and the doubts many otherwise tolerant people felt about black people competing against white counterparts to earn the respect of generations.

Robinson made the Hall of Fame in 1962 and promptly had his number retired by the Dodgers.

Freddy Parent (SS), the last survivor of the 1903 World Series between the Boston Somersets/Pilgrims/Americans/whoever and Pittsburgh Pirates, also passed on at age 97.

Parent wouldn't make the Hall of Fame, as though he had a respectable career that ended at age 35, it wasn't all that remarkable. He played for the 1899 Perfectos (Cards), 1901-07 Boston team, and 08-11 ChiSox putting together a lifetime record of.262 20-471 with 184 SB and 1,306 hits.

In the 'deadball' era having decent offensive numbers couldn't have been easy. He did his best in 1903: .304 4-80 24 SB.
*******

The 1972 Winter Meetings were held in Dallas, Texas. Dallas still wanted a team, weren't picky on who, and pulled out all the stops to make us comfortable and welcome. I thought about asking Katrina if she wanted to come, but apparently interns don't get time off for good behavior, and anyway we're not that close. "Hey! Want to fly several hundred miles away with me?" Hm.

The biggest surprise was that I wouldn't be flying down alone. Along with me came the newest general manager of the Minnesota Twins.

"Does anyone know why my starting third baseman belongs in C or D league?" demanded Andy, going through a thick manila folder that arrived by post the day before we left.

I glanced over his shoulder. Charley Smith (59/60) [35]. The Twins were his 8th team in 13 years of play, and last year's numbers were lamentable. "At least he's cheap," I said, pointing to his $25,000 salary.

"Hopefully the Rule V will bring something up. Hey. Wanna trade me Hart? Then you can use Soderholm!"

I narrowed my gaze. "Aren't you over budget?"

"Us and every single other team in the God d*** league!"

"Plus, I'm hoping the DH rule passes," I said. "Are...how are you going to vote?"

"Depends who my 9th best hitter is." Andy flipped through his file. "Killebrew? Is that old b***** still alive!?"

"Tell me something. Why'd you take it? I thought you didn't like cold weather."

"I don't."

"Uhm...Minnesota is colder than Missouri."

"In winter," he conceded. "You think I'm going to spend my winters there? You're nuts."

"There's team business to be conducted all year long," I reminded him. "Negotiations, keeping the owner in the loop, that kind of..."

"They can call my house. Anyway, only two other cities would talk to me: Seattle and Montreal. The Pilots are losers and Boeing's totally square. As for Montreal, I don't speak Spanish."

"French."

"Eh?"

"They speak French in Montreal."

"What does that have to do with anything?"
*******

Seattle's new permanent GM, apparently another Boeing employee, is a guy named Dick Cunningham. He made a point of making the rounds before the meeting, exchanging polite words with everyone.

"Hunter? Nice to meet you!" He introduced himself. "I heard you refused Calahan's offer last year: Marty Pattin for a pack of outfielders. We're obliged to you. Calahan's a nice guy, but he just wasn't cut out for this business." If he suspected anything about Kevin's relationship with Oakland, he didn't elaborate.

I asked him about his plans for the upcoming season. "To contend of course! Oh, I don't think we can take the pennant next year, but my mission is to bring a championship to Seattle." His gaze narrowed. "By any means necessary."

Oh, great. A fanatic.

"On that front, we went to free agency looking for pitching. I'm sure you don't mind, but I thought you should know we picked up Larry Dierker." (And gave him a NTC. Trade him away now, AI!)

"You..." So, Larry wouldn't talk to KC anymore, but WOULD talk to a team that's far worse? "No, no. I suppose I don't mind."

"Excellent!" He told me they also picked up another starter, Jim McAndrew, from FA. McAndrew went 7-8 last year with the Mets.

"Everyone take their seats." Cronin stood at the head of the table. "If you can find them."

He wasn't kidding. Whoever set the places this year seemed to have changed their mind how to order everyone. Usually I'd be sitting next to Cunningham towards the far end. This year I found myself between Andy and Robert Reynolds, owner of the Angels.

"Ready?" Cronin asked. "Good. Then let's come to..."

"Mr. President?" Cunningham stood. "Before we proceed to the agenda, the Pilots have received disturbing news that your office asked the other teams to name potential candidates for a new home for Seattle. The Pilots demand an explanation."

"Mr. Cunningham, please sit down, and..."

"No."

The tension in the air ratched up instantly. Like most everyone else I found myself glancing between the two men. Finley sat at Joe's left, eyes wide..and immediately began taking notes. Detroit's Kyle Halwell looked pleased.

"Very well, we can cover that first." Cronin flipped through several pages of notes and pulled one out. "Mister...Cunningham, when the American League granted a franchise to Seattle in 1969, we were promised a domed stadium by 1970. In 1968, voters approved bonds to cover this. Kings County is collecting on these bonds. It's been four years, and there's been no appreciable movement to establish a site, let alone begin construction. There is no question therefore that the Pilots have defaulted on their..."

"Your agreement was with Dewey Soriano. Not with Boeing."

Cronin straightened. "When Boeing purchased the Pilots, they also acquired all obligations."

"Really." Cunningham opened a folder and stared down at it. "I see here a promise to provide the American League with a stadium capable of holding a Major League capacity crowd. Boeing has. One capable of ensuring the Pilots are capable, if not guaranteed, of making a profit and continuing day-to-day operations. Seattle's profited two years in the four of its existence. Furthermore, our revenue last year was highest in team history, and tied for fourteenth in the Majors."

"That may be true," Cronin replied. Boston's Tadd Davis was glancing through his own folder and nodding. "Nonetheless, given Seattle's climate a dome is a prerequisite to continued play there. Now, if Kings County and Boeing is unable to meet their agreements with the League, then we have no choice but to..."

"Try to move the Pilots, and it's war!"

[CatKnight]

Winter Meetings II

American League president Joe Cronin wasn't the type of man you could threaten. "War?" he shot back. "Maybe you better explain yourself."

Cunningham moved to the foot of the table, perhaps so he wouldn't have to keep straining his neck to stare Cronin down. "What I mean, is that the Pilots organization is owned and paid for by Boeing Corporation. We do not consent to another buyer, nor do we consent to moving the team away from the Seattle/Tacoma area. There may be a time when we consider the team a lost investment - but that has yet to occur."

Cronin made a visible effort to master himself. "I understand," he finally growled. "However, you must understand two things: First, we do NOT consider Sicks Stadium of Major League quality. Second, the American League has always reserved the right to purchase and redistribute member clubs."

"To which in the first, I would disagree that Sicks is not Major League quality. Our attendance numbers say otherwise. The fact we've successfully completed four seasons says otherwise. As for the second, we are not going to sell to the American League either. Should this body try to force such a transaction, then we will bring the matter before the United States Senate as a violation of the Sherman Anti Trust Act for attempting to prevent Major League baseball in Washington state."

Silence. Joe looked like he was on the verge of a heart attack. Keith Clay of the Yankees shook his head. "Other teams and cities have tried that before, and every single time the court's found in the league's favor."

"Every single time the prosecution was a team on the verge of bankruptcy without outside financial assistance," Cunningham replied. "I don't mean, or desire, to start on a hostile foot with this body, but it seems the fight's been brought to me. If you go forward with this plan then expect a vigorous response."

Personally I wasn't too worried about Sicks Stadium, though I understood Cronin's point of view. Seattle could be wet and players complained about how damp the field could be. On the other hand, if Boeing really wanted to fight...well, Andy's right. Every single team is over budget right now. We may have to tap into our reserves soon to help some clubs out. A fight would be a bad idea.

"Dick," I said. "I don't think anyone here is eager to move the team, but you have to concede there are legitimate concerns here. If you could even guarantee us when a new stadium will be ready, I think we'd be satisfied."

"Discussions are ongoing with Kings County," Cunningham replied. "They are aware of the League's desire, and that we expect the bond funds to become available for construction in the short term. You can be assured we are being as direct with them as I am with you this afternoon."

"I'm satisfied," Finley grinned. "Did you want to call for a vote, Joe?"

Cronin looked at mostly closed, reserved faces. "No," he said. "Not at this time."
*******

And so the designated hitter came up to bat. This time it was Charlie who provided mimeographed, some still wet, copies. Tadd Davis looked at his ink stained fingers with something not far from horror. Andy didn't seem to mind. I pushed the papers around with a pencil.

"There are the figures, gentlemen. Along with a projected increase in attendance, which means more revenue." Finley beamed. "However there's something else I want to discuss in addition to this: A designated runner!"

"A what?" Cronin asked, glancing over.

A designated runner would be assigned to a particular batter (similar to the projected use of DHs replacing pitchers.) He'd stand next to said batter, and if he put the ball into play the DR would run the bases.

"It speeds up the game and offers more excitement," Finley said. "Which, again, translates to more interest and more revenue! And..."

And as he continued speaking, I saw his evil plan in all its terrible glory.

"That's why!" I shouted, thumping the table. Finley's spell broke, and all eyes turned to me. "That's why you have a God damned emu playing in D-ball! He can't hit. How could he? But he can run. Much faster than any human!"

"I assure you Chuck, that's not my inten..."

"I'm ready to vote!" chirped Bud Selig, honoring our anti-Finley alliance. The DR went down 11-1.

Which once more brought the DH up. "Any last comments?" Cronin asked, glancing smugly at Finley who sat with arms folded, glaring at me. "No? Alright. Seattle?"

"Paying for another full time player doesn't sound like a good idea for this League," Cunningham said. "No."

"Cleveland?"

The former Reds GM shook his head. "No."

"Los Angeles?"

"I think we should give this a shot," Reynolds replied. "Yes."

"Detroit?"

Halwell pouted. Hard to mess up a vote when its nearly tied. "Uh...Abstain."

Cronin made a mark in his notes. "Kansas City?"

Hart and Mays would both benefit. "Yes."

"Washington?"

Owner Robert Short nodded. "Yes."

"Minnesota?"

Andy looked at me apologetically. "I don't think this helps the Twins. No."

3-3 with one abstention. "Boston?"

Tadd narrowed his gaze. "I think this is bad for baseball. No."

"Milwaukee?"

Selig gave me a curious look, then nodded. "We'll play along. Yes."

"New York?"

Keith Clay looked through his roster and nodded. "Yes."

Well, that was that. With Detroit's abstention and winning 5-4, Finley's vote would give us the...

"No!" Finley shouted when asked.

Cronin stared at him. "This was your idea."

"I changed my mind. Oakland votes no!" Finley kept glaring at me.

"Uhm...right. Baltimore?"

"No."

(IRL Finley did try to institute a DR, and failed. Though having a DH wasn't his idea, he DID support it. Once the DR failed, he voted against the DH in a fit of pique.)
*******

Then Bud Selig stood to discuss shortening the season to 154 games.

"It's simple really," he grinned. "It works like this. Our primary expense is, of course, player salaries. Players are paid an equal amount per game scheduled. In other words, if a player makes $162,000, he earns $1,000 every time a game is played."

Several nods. Basic sports economics. He continued: "Now, our primary revenue source is fans buying tickets. However that is not linear. We enjoy increased attendance in the first weeks of April and in late September - at the beginning and end of a season."

He argued that dropping 8 games would lower salaries by 5% (8/162) across the board. However, since we'd effectively be losing middle-of-the-season games, our revenue would only drop 3%.

Cunningham shook his head. "Two things, Selig. First, we need to renegotiate the CBA if we permanently change the number of games in a season. I have no objection to that. Second, however, your argument presupposes that each team is at or near breaking even."

"Not true," Bud replied. First he pointed to the Pilots: $4.0 million revenue, $4.1 million expenses, -$0.1 on the year. Selig's suggestion lowered revenue and expenses to $3.95 million each. Breakeven.

However, a profitable team like Cleveland: $4.2 vs $3.7 expenses, plus $0.5 on the year. Selig's suggestion dropped the numbers to $4.1 and $3.5 or about plus $0.6.

I saw a flaw in his logic: Well, two flaws. First, KC's mid season had a great deal of fan support because we were competing for most of it. Second, if we dropped 8 games, would the fans see that as a sign of the league weakening?

"As Dick says, this isn't something we can vote on right now," Cronin said. "We would have to modify the CBA. Tomorrow the Commissioner wants to talk to all of us about the agreement, so that might be the time to bring this up again."
*******

We then went around the room discussing each team's success or lack thereof. Finally the conversation turned to me.

"Chuck?" Joe asked. "Tell us about Royals Stadium."

[CatKnight]

Winter Meetings III



"This is Royals Stadium," I said, passing out pictures. "The grass is, unfortunately, hypothetical. As Joe noted during the Summer Meetings we were having trouble with both soil content and drainage. Fortunately we resolved that in August and saw signs of healthy growth towards the end of the year. We expect the field to be playable by next April."

I nodded at Andy. "We also have a contingency plan to bring in grass from Municipal in case of emergency, but we no longer forsee that as likely."

(I didn't know this when I first wrote about problems at Royals Stadium, but KC DID use Astroturf from 1973-1995. Arrowhead Stadium also used Astroturf. We'll assume both stadiums went straight to grass in this universe.)

All eyes were either on the pictures, or on me. I coughed and continued. "As you can see, the stadium's built a little differently than most other modern ones. Specifically, we don't forsee having to host any football games as the NFL Chiefs have their own field next door to ours."



"We will share parking, and have already acquired a small fleet of buses to ferry fans from lot to lot as needed. Given these precautions and the two auxiliary lots located a bit away from the stadiums, we forsee no parking difficulties." This was a good thing, as both stadiums were some six miles outside of the city, but I saw no reason to bring that up.

"As you can see, the outfield plazas are lower than in other parks. We hope this decreases shadow and increases visibility across the park. Escalators lead to the upper decks, while ramps lead down."

"Our main attraction, aside from the game of course, is our right field fountain."



"It rises 322 feet, which I believe to be the tallest man made fountain around. We'll turn it on before and after games, as well as between innings. It's more accessible from the concourse and will have seating areas."

Andy raised his hand. "Capacity?" I frowned at him. Was he trying to help or embarass me?

"40,793," I replied, still looking at him. "Our dimensions are 330/390/410/390/330."

Kraft nodded, apparently satisfied.

Keith Clay, possibly thinking of the renovations to Yankee Stadium, looked across the table at me. "How much did this cost?"

"About 70 million. Much of this was paid for by bonds issues from Jackson County, Missouri. Originally this was to be the Athletics' new home."

Finley looked like he wanted to explode. He stood slowly. "Excuse me, gentlemen." He paced outside, face an ugly shade of red.

Cronin grinned at his back. "Thank you, Chuck. That will do."
*******

And so the meeting could have ended on that denouement, but as usual we found something absurd to talk about. Keith Clay announced 1973 would be the last for 'Old' Yankee Stadium, with renovations beginning immediately. He reaffirmed the Yanks' contract with Shea Stadium would last only two years. Then Robert Reynolds stood.

"The Angels are changing their name."

Joe stared at him. "You're kidding, right?"

Finley rejoined us at that moment, and sensing our amazement asked what was up. "What are you going to try for this time?" he asked with a smirk. "Anaheim?"

"Of course not."

"Then what are you changing?" I asked.

"We will now be known as the California Angels once more."

Now let's review: The LA Angels were formed in 1961. In 1965 they changed their names to California. In 1969 they changed it back. There are several teams that have gone the better part of a century without changing their names once.

"I object!" snapped Finley. "It was all a big joke back in '65 when yours was the only AL team there, and you wanted to snub the Dodgers and Giants, but now they have another team in California, and my A's are there too. One team can't take the name of an entire state when there are four other teams there!"

"Not to mention changing your city name every four years is patently absurd," added Tadd Davis.

"I like it," said Halwell.

"You would."

Reynolds looked around nervously. He hadn't expected any real resistance. "We need this change to appeal to a broader population. The Dodgers have Los Angeles pretty well wrapped up. Yes, the team's doing better than it has in awhile, but without appealing to a broader base I can't guarantee that'll continue." That, and apparently Anaheim officials weren't too pleased about hosting a Los Angeles team.

For some reason the name 'Anaheim Angels' kept running through my mind. The first syllables in both words being identical made my head hurt. "There's nothing wrong with a name like Los Angeles. If you don't like it, then maybe Orange County." Ugh. That sounded even worse.

"Come to order," Cronin said. "The Angels are making a motion and the A's are objecting. Let's vote."

I voted to make them keep their LA name. I mean, Tadd's right. It's absurd. Many of the others felt differently however: Perhaps Dick Cunningham in Seattle was right, and the AL shouldn't intervene unless absolutely necessary. By a vote of 7-5, Reynolds' motion passed.


California Angels

[petrel]

This is still great reading, and a shame that you're thinking of putting it on hiatus. Oh well, I'll enjoy it while I can!

--pet

[CatKnight]

petrel: We'll see. Taking a few days off (even though I was writing) helped. I'll also be out of town this weekend so might be in full baseball withdrawl by Tuesday
*******

Winter Meetings IV

"This joint meeting of the National and American Leagues will please come to order." Bowie Kuhn stood at the end of a long table, the AL owners to his right and the Nationals to his left. "Today we're going to discuss the Collective Bargaining Agreement of 1972, and whether we need to...renegotiate."

Something about the way he said 'renegotiate' send an unpleasant ripple down the table. I found myself staring at Gary Gregg, the Cardinal GM. He told me the financial situation in the senior league was just as bad.

"I will not repeat a generation of propoganda on both sides to you gentlemen," Kuhn continued. "I will simply state the obvious. In the past few years there has been a fundamental shift in bargaining power in favor of the player's union. In no small part to this latest change in arbitration there is not a single club projected to make a profit next year."

He let this settle in for those who hadn't heard it before. "Further, I received a letter from Mr. Miller stating that if the free agency market doesn't show more movement soon, he's going to go to court accusing us of collusion."

Hard, cold expressions greeted me from across the table. The Nationals either knew of this threat or weren't surprised.

"I've spoken with Joe Cronin and Chub Feeney, and we agree the only way to stabilize Major League Baseball is to force the MLBPA to renegotiate."

Grim nods. Houston's GM, a large Hispanic man named Conteras, leaned forward. "Are you proposing a lockout?"

"Naturally we will try to avoid excessive measures," Kuhn replied. "However yes, if the players' union doesn't choose to negotiate then we must be ready to back our words. I'm asking for the joint leagues to authorize me to initiate a lockout if necessary."

Great. Last year the players struck, and now we wanted revenge. Then again...the Royals are $900,000 over budget.

The vote went around the table and passed 18-6, with Cleveland, Detroit (Union cities both), Washington, the Mets, San Diego and Cincinnati not wanting to risk the throw...or at least wanting to be able to deny their involvement.

"Two suggestions to increase profit have also come to our attention," Kuhn said. "I believe it best if both leagues remain in lockstep for these proposals, so want to discuss them with all of you."

The first was technically a Dodger suggestion, but it smelled a lot like Finley's last year. Three divisions, four teams per division, three rounds of playoffs.

"The extra round gives those teams an extra opportunity to garner revenue," the Dodger GM said. "However, more importantly having four races per league will increase fan interest across the board. The more teams that stay viable for any of the playoff spots, even the wildcard, the more likely fans will stick with us through the offseason rather than turning to football."

Chub Feeney responded very sharply. "I'm still not convinced TWO divisions is a good idea, and you want to try three!?" He remarked upon the purity of a pennant chase, and how much that is lost when there is not one or two, but THREE races and even a second place team is invited to the playoffs.

"Four teams of twelve, eight of twenty four," he growled. "Why don't we just let everyone participate while we're at it? Your proposal completely waters down the value of both the playoffs and the regular season."

Surprisingly, Charlie Finley voted against it. I guess he didn't like the fact it was no longer his idea. The suggestion failed 17-7.

Lastly was Bud Selig's idea of dropping to 154 games. I chose to honor our anti-Finley 'truce' and kept my mouth shut. Chub Feeney seemed to like the idea.

Bill Worth, the Oriole GM, countered with what I was thinking. "Won't dropping from 162 to 154 games signal weakness? The players will naturally see it as a ploy to pay them less. Fine. It's the fans I'm concerned about. We don't want them to think baseball might be failing, and so turn away."

Selig shook his head. "I think you underestimate our fans!"

The debate flowed back and forth. Only two of the GMs sitting at the table were active when the leagues last played only 154 games. One was Gary, who spoke glowingly of the past in general and the increased tension of a shortened season in particular.

"No offense to Keith and the Yankees," he said, "but Frick was right to question Roger Maris' home run record." Then Commissioner Ford Frick talked about putting a mark next to Maris' record to show he'd hit 61 homers in 162 games, vs. Ruth hitting 60 in 154. Maris supporters replied with signs to Frick saying 'Up your asterisk!' "I say let's eliminate any question of what records are fair and what not. Return to a 154 game format."

I spoke tentatively. "Won't the fans be angry at missing out on eight games?"

Feeney replied. "There are those fans who have wondered for years if we've strayed from the purity of the pre-expansion game. I think this would be an indicator that, while baseball progresses forward, we will keep the best aspects of the past."

Those moved by the 'purity' of the game allied with those who hoped for more profit. By a vote of 14-10, we would go back to a 154 game format if we could push it into the new CBA.
*******

As we left the meeting, Gary updated me on what else happened in the National League: Absolutely nothing. They, too, voted down the DH. As for the players' union's concerns about Montreal, the prevailing attitude in the NL is "To H*** with the Player's Union!"

We then talked finances. "I think Ewing will let you get away with such a big budget deficit this year, but it can't last. Certainly not until we know what's going on with revenue. If I were you, I'd spend the season dumping salaries whenever you can, and be ready to cut people next October."

Joy.

[CatKnight]

Winter Meetings V

Rule V Draft

Once more those players 29 or older stuck in the minors had the opportunity to switch teams. Jerry Grote avoided this honor by virtue of our finding room for him in our 25 man roster.

(To make things fair, I autosorted the Royals as well as everyone else, and it promoted Grote.)

In the end only nine players switched teams.

Round 1
Seattle: RP Tom Timmerman (77) [32] from Montreal
Pittsburgh: SP Jack Fisher (77/78) [33] from Cincinnati
Montreal: RP Jerry Jonson (76) [29] from Yankees
Washington: RF Walt Williams (78) [29] from Seattle
Atlanta: 3B Bobby Pfeil (77/78) [29] from Cleveland

(Minnesota would have had the next pick and needed Pfeil badly. Poor Andy. )

Cleveland: SS Bobby Floyd (78) [29] from Baltimore
California: RP Bill Landis (76/77) [30] from Pittsburgh
Boston: SS Tom Matchick (73) [29] from Washington

Round 2
Seattle: LF Curt Motton (79) [32] from Oakland


There would be no more Rule VI drafts, the latest CBA eliminated them. So much for the MLBPA caring about draftees.

(Along with being a royal pain, I learned from testing that it's not necessary. I thought these players weren't developing. They are - just slowly, which makes sense since they're 18 years old when they enter the FA pool.)
*******

Montreal also signed a local player, Michael Tatlock (gosensgo101), a 17 year old Catcher/First Baseman from Ottawa, Ontario. It'll be interesting to see how he develops.

News

It will come as no surprise that, within hours after everyone returned home, Oakland cut their emu from D-league.

As an epilogue, in February 1973 the Rules Committee met and added a rule specifically prohibiting non-humans from playing on any club that is part of the National Agreement. This short sighted, intolerant ruling would delay animals entering the Major Leagues by at least 20 years.

They finally broke the species barrier in 2095 when a dolphin whose name doesn't translate well to English (though astonishingly well to Lithuanian) successfully sued before the Supreme Court. They struck the MLB rule down as discrimatory against non-humans. He went on to play 7 years in Hawaii's AquaDome before being elected President of the California Isles.
*******

Meanwhile, free agent Roberto Clemente vanished on New Year's Eve.

Clemente, who spent his entire eighteen year career with the Pirates before being released a month ago, was on a humanitarian mission to Nicaragua when his plane crashed.

On December 23, an earthquake struck Managua, the nation's capital. He organized relief flights, but the first three were intercepted by the Somona government. He accompanied the fourth - a craft with a history of mechanical failures, over its cargo capacity, and flown by subpar personnel. It crashed off the coast of Puerto Rico. His body was never found.

In Clemente's last year he batted .289 11-63 2 SB in 115 games and 426 AB.
He finishes batting .310 lifetime, 226 HR, 1226 RBI, 85 SB and 2,871 hits.
Clemente played for the '55 through '72 Pirates.
He was an All Star in 1960-67, 69 and 72. He won the Gold Glove 1961-68 and the 1966 MVP.

A hero to a generation of Hispanic youth has fallen, and the world's just a little bit poorer entering 1973.

[petrel]

Clemente is great, no matter what dynasty you put him in.

I tell you, once the dolphins walked out of the water they started taking all the good jobs. Restrict illegal immigration!

--Pet

[CatKnight]

petrel: Yes, once they let dolphins on the playing field baseball was in serious trouble.
*******

February 15, 1973


Well, you're probably smart enough to figure out how the MLBPA took 'our' demands to shorten the season and change arbitration.

Here are two hints:

1) Pitchers and catchers were to report today.
2) I'm in Springfield, Missouri waiting for Katrina to finish her shift so we can see a movie.

After much heming and hawing, we finally agreed on "Man of La Mancha" with Peter O'Toole, based on 'Don Quixote' by Miguel Cervantes, written in the early fifteenth century. As far as I can tell it's about an older nobleman who imagines himself a great knight. It's a delusion, unfortunately, but the power of that delusion gives him the courage and vision to try and change his world.

Bowie Kuhn ordered Spring Training camps locked out on the eighth. So far, publicly, both sides remain strong and defiant, but I know that Kuhn, the two presidents and negotiators are holed up with Marvin Miller, Donald Fehr, and other MLBPA officials trying to get this hammered out. The fans are understandably getting angry.

With Spring Training delayed, the only real baseball news is from Baltimore. Apparently desperate for money, they sold CF Don Buford's contract to the Fukoka Lions in Japan for $632,000. This doubles their cash on hand and Buford, as good as he was (he could easily start for most any other team in the league), was just a bench warmer in Baltimore.

Buford will never return to Major League Baseball, though he'll enjoy four years in Japan as the 'best lead-off hitter ever.' He finishes his ten year career here batting .278 74-382 169 SB, 1111 H. He received no awards (other than last year's ring) and played for the ChiSox 1963-67, and Baltimore 1968-72.

Meanwhile, a group of investors bought out the Yankees from CBS. They're led by some guy named Steinbrenner, a shipping magnate with a lot of money. Keith Clay says he's the type of man who likes to get involved in day to day operations. Like Finley. Wonderful.

"There you are!" Katrina opened my car door and crashed into the passenger seat. She didn't look ready for a date...more like ready for a couch.

"Are you okay?"

She inhaled and nodded. "Long shift." She cast tired eyes on me. "Very long."

"I can take you home if you're not up to..."

"No. That's been my life for the last few months: Work, home, work some more, home. I want to see this movie. Just don't be too upset if I fall asleep."

I pushed the stick into drive and pulled into traffic. "How long will you have these kinds of hours?"

Katrina chuckled. "It should lighten up a little over the summer. Then I'll be a resident, which is what we call interns who survived their first year." She yawned.
*******

To make a long story short, it was a fine movie. No, nothing happened afterwards. I returned home to volumes of hate mail and a friendly article from the Star advising me that due to poor labor relations baseball might be doomed. Sure. We survived two world wars, I think we can handle the MLBPA.

On February 25 the dispute ended with a new three year contract. Their new arbitration rules could stay. The union felt it was too important a point to negotiate over, and Kuhn didn't want to risk our dispute delaying or shortening the season further.

They conceded to a 154 game schedule, however. While that doesn't really help current contracts, it'll give us a tiny bit more leverage when it comes time to renew.

[CatKnight]

February 26, 1973

Before Spring Training begins I make a...regrettable decision. I don't like it, but with our budget so tight I don't think I have much choice.

First, after some hardball negotiations I pull Johnny Jeter (81) [28] off of free agency. Jeter was with Pittsburgh last year and batted .347 2-16 in 101 AB. He'll make $41,000 for two years.

So what am I going to do with an extra centerfielder?
*******

SAY GOODBYE!
Royals management dumps Mays

KANSAS CITY- In a move that only highlights the growing greed in Major League Baseball, the Kansas City Royals today released Willie Mays, claiming his contract was too high.

"We really had no choice," said GM Chuck Hunter. "Mays would have earned $221,000 this year. Even buying him out and bringing in Jeter, we profit."

Profit is, of course, the watchword in baseball. Last year players struck for higher pay. This year owners locked them out to get some of it back. Ticket prices continue to slowly rise. I wonder how they'll feel when the FANS decide to walk out.

So good bye, Willie. It's been nice knowing you. Hopefully you can chase your record somewhere else.
*******

The answer to that was no. With people like Lou Brock still available, no one was going to take a high priced but drying up outfielder in his forties.

Willie Mays retired at age 41 after 21 seasons.
In 1972 he batted .258 7-38 2 SB
Lifetime he finishes .305 679-1977 with 334 SB and 3,317 hits
He played for the NY Giants (51-57), SF Giants (58-71) and of course KC (1972)
Mays was RoY in 1951 and NL MVP in 1954.
He was an All Star from 1954-70, winning the AS MVP in 1963, 68 and 69.
Mays also won the Gold Glove 1957-68.

The hate mail is interesting. I'll have to ask Katrina if some of these anatomical suggestions are possible.
*******

March 2

I should have been patient. Lou Brock's down to $133,000. I could have afforded that and forgotten about Jeter. The first baseman I looked at earlier's down to $160,000.

Oh well.
*******

In other news, we still don't have a field manager, which is making spring training very odd. Ewing wants me to go with Omaha manager Jack McKeon, who seems to have the respect of the players.

Then, after a long debate over where the pitchers are supposed to be practicing, Joe Torre walked over to me. Torre's a tall man, thickly built, and his blue padding squeaked and rustled like new as he approached.

"We can't keep doing this, boss."

"I know." I DID know. McKeon could do a good job, but something about giving in to Ewing when he fired Bob Lemon from under my nose irked me.

"Let me do it."

I looked at him. "You? You're playing."

"So? It's done all the time."

"Player-manager? Not in what...twenty? thirty years?" I shook my head.

"Nope. You know how catchers work, don't you? Yes, mainly we're signaling the pitchers, but we're also positioning the infield and sometimes the outfield as well. A good catcher has to be constantly watching the entire game to see what's going on. On offense I can get into the other pitcher's head and adjust our strategy accordingly. On defense? Who better to know when our pitcher's losing it?"

Valid points, all.

"Just give me through Spring Training. If you don't like what you'll see, I'll just go back to catching. No hard feelings."

I nodded slowly and shook his hand. "Go ahead."
*******

March 15

During the first exhibition game between the Oakland A's and New York Yankees, pitchers Fritz Peterson (OAK) and Mike Kekich (NYY) announce that they've traded wives, families and even pet dogs. Cute, guys. I hear Steinbrenner's being a pain in New York. Perhaps you can trade owners too?

We won our opener against St. Louis 8-5. Always a great way to start the season.
*******

March 29

During the LAST exhibition game, this time between Oakland and Minnesota, Charlie Finley introduces orange baseballs. He believes they will be easier for fans to follow.

Fans? Maybe. Outfielders? No. The game is riddled with errors and player complaints. The next day the Rules Committee meets by phone and tells him to knock it off.

While the team finishes up in Florida, I rush home. Royals Stadium opens in three days. I hope we're ready. Not only is this our inaugural season in a new home, but this will also be the first year we're hosting the All Star Game. Ewing's let me know he'd 'regret' it if anything went wrong...

[petrel]

Joe Torre as Royals manager?

This should be interesting....

--Pet

[Imgran]

So what happens when the player manager's on base and it's a pinch-runner or pinch hitter situation? WHo handles that? Is it possible to plan out a preapproved contingency for everything that can go wrong in the dugout while the manager's busy in the field?

Oh, and if this was real I'd hope any team that had their catcher as a player manager would carry a third catcher, or at least someone who can play one on TV. The last thing most teams want normally is to have their manager ejected, but when that manager is also your catcher and team leader on the field? And it's definitely going to happen at least once too in any real situation.

Also -- if Torre has a serious on-field injury and can't play it's not a guaranteed thing that he can sit in the dugout either, so you'd better have something in mind if he's on the DL for a few weeks unless you want to have him coming out on crutches to replace the pitcher..

In short: Have one heck of a bench coach and hoppe Torre doesn't get ejected a lot (IRL I don't think he really ever did)

[CatKnight]

petrel: Very interesting. I was surprised to learn that Player Managing happened thrice in the 1970s - and once WAS Joe Torre (for the '77 Mets.) He pretty much took himself out of the lineup (then eventually retired) because he felt he couldn't give both roles justice. This gives me a good excuse to use Martinez more.

Imgran: You know...I'm not sure how it was done, just that it worked. As you say - one heck of a bench coach who can step in if Torre's injured or on the basepaths.

One nice thing is that, as a player, he can visit the mound all he wants and the umpires can basically like it.

COMMENTS: I will probably be focusing more on the baseball aspect, at least for a little bit.
*******

1973 Predictions

National League East
1. New York Mets (91-63)
2. Philadelphia Phillies (89-65)
3. St. Louis Cardinals (84-70)
4. Chicago Cubs (79-75)
5. Montreal Expos (64-90)
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (59-95)

National League West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (98-56)
2. Atlanta Braves (85-69)
3. San Francisco Giants (78-76)
4. Houston Astros (70-84)
5. Cincinnati Reds (67-87)
6. San Diego Padres (60-94)

American League East
1. Baltimore Orioles (93-61)
2. Cleveland Indians (83-71)
3. Boston Red Sox (79-75)
4. Detroit Tigers (69-85)
4. New York Yankees (69-85)
6. Washington Senators (64-90)

American League West
1. Kansas City Royals (102-52)
2. Milwaukee Brewers (83-71)
3. Oakland A's (81-73)
4. California Angels (72-82)
5. Minnesota Twins (67-87)
6. Seattle Pilots (62-92)

Playoffs
ALCS: Orioles defeat Royals
NLCS: Mets defeat Dodgers

WS: Orioles defeat Mets

(N/S Rating: 1.97; Extremes: 0/2/0/0)
*******

A bit of surprise here. After seeing how wild the FA market was, I knew to expect some major changes, but the Cubs dropping to 79W? The A's to 81? Us rising to 102W?

The Expos crawl out of the cellar, but the Pilots and Padres continue to struggle. At least they both break 60 wins.

[gosensgo101]

zomg 102 wins!

[Coach Owens]

ZOMG! 62 wins!