An Englishman in New York (or, British Invasion:The Second Echelon)

[kevarms]

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
January 5, 1967

DEVINE QUITS AS METS PRESIDENT
Owner's Pal Takes Over

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Following the shock take-over of the struggling Mets by eccentric British aristocrat Lord Fawcliff comes another surprise with the announcement by Bing Devine that his brief tenure as President is over. At the resignation conference he expressed his disappointment that he would not now have the opportunity to help continue the good progress the club has been making. Devine, who succeeded George Weiss as President only in the fall, cited irreconcilable disagreements with the new owner as the main reason for his departure.
One of those disagreements almost certainly concerns the appointment of Roy Crabtree as Vice-President. Crabtree, a compatriot and long time friend of Lord Fawcliff, has no experience whatsoever in baseball, nor in any professional sport. It remains unclear whether Devine felt he was being undermined by having the owner's chum watching over his shoulder. However, it is certain that one of the most respected men in baseball will not be unemployed for long.
No official announcement has been made, but reports indicate Crabtree has assumed the position of President.

Bing Devine

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Hey guys. Became a baseball fan after being introduced to BM. I’ve particularly enjoyed researching all the players, characters and teams I’ve come across in the game (thankyou internet!). This side of the pond baseball ranks on a par with figure-skating and water polo in terms of popularity. I’ve found it has all the rich history and drama that I used to love about football (soccer).
It’s a big plus that the BM board is so active and helpful. I especially love reading the terrific dynasties here. It’s fun to read and seems fun to write. So, inspired by the likes of CatKnight, Petrel, Overbay17, HoustonGM to name a few, here’s my little effort.
Apologies in advance if it comes across as a little weird-looking at first. I’m still learning the lingo so to speak (both baseball and Americanese). Apologies also to the aforementioned for stealing some parts of their formats. They are too good not to use so I hope they won't mind.

[kevarms]

June 14, 1944 - StalagLuft III POW Camp, GERMANY

"Hey Limey, gimme the ball".
The two British airmen looked up, and saw a once white ball rolling towards them. Squadron Leader Fawcliff stooped and picked it up. Examining it he saw it was similar in size and weight to the cricket balls he was used to, although it felt softer and was stitched differently. Grinning, he hurled the ball to the American fifty feet away. Straight into the big glove he was wearing.
"Nice throw. Thanks."
"You're welcome, old chap."
The American turned and headed back to the game. Fawcliff sat back down beside his fellow prisoner Flying Officer Roy Crabtree. The two had been pilot and navigator in a Lancaster that he been brought down over Germany in 1942 and had spent the past two years here in StalagLuft III close to the Polish border. It was a huge camp, one of the largest in the POW system, with several thousand Allied airmen detained there.
At first the prisoners had been mostly from Britain and her Empire, but the last few months had seen a massive influx of Americans shifted from other camps. Morale was low among the British contingent following the heroic but disastrous ‘great escape’ of the spring but the Americans, ever resourceful, had soon acquired equipment for various sports. They organised a highly competitive baseball league comprising dozens of teams, which even included a few former professionals.
“This is no good Roy,” said Fawcliff, “we’ll go round the twist if we sit around moping like this.”
“I know Freddy, but what can we do?” replied the junior officer, “Since the escape everybody is very down. Nobody even wants to play cricket. Not even the Aussies for goodness sake.”
Just then a loud cheer came from the direction of the Americans. The two RAF men looked up. Crabtree turned toward Fawcliff.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“I do believe I am, old boy.”

[CatKnight]

Hm, might want to ask a mod to move this over to Dynasties for you

Looks like a good intro! Don't get too caught up in the Americanese. Personally I rather like the "British English" and it'll add a nice touch to this dynasty. If we get too confused we'll ask you what an x is. Good luck!

[kevarms]

Hello baseball fans. Roy Crabtree here. Yes, the press have got it right. I am now the President/GM of the Mets, albeit a slightly reluctant one. Bing resigning so suddenly was such a blow. Can't blame him I suppose. He thought my job was just to spy on him. I guess it was in a way. Lord Fawcliff...Freddy - he isn't so formal... won't be around as much as he would like. As well as his many business interests here and in Europe he has the estate in England to take care of. He just wanted me around to keep an eye on things. I wouldn't have interfered with Bing's work at all. In fact, I was rather looking forward to working with him. He did sterling work in St Louis and Freddy would have been delighted to have him do the same here. Now we are in a bit of a pickle. For the time being it looks like I'm running the show. Let's go and meet the chaps.....


1967 NEW YORK METS

CATCHERS
Jerry Grote (72) Age 24 (.237 3 HR 31 RBI 4 SB)
CON: $20,300 until Arb 68 ACQ: Off season 1966 from Houston
MLB: 1963 Houston (4th season)

John Sullivan (74/79) Age 26 (Did not play in majors in 1966)
CON: $11,800 until Arb 69 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Detroit (Rule 5 draft)
MLB: 1963 Detroit (Rookie)

Greg Goossen (72/88) Age 21 (.188 1-5-0 in 32 AB)
CON: $11,800 until Arb 70 ACQ: April 1965 from LA Dodgers
MLB: 1965 New York Mets (Rookie)


Grote is not a great hitter, but he is already one of the better backstops in the league. Just what we need with some rookie fireballers set to take the hill this year. Sullivan has spent most of his career lost in the Tigers farm system. At least he gets to warm the bench for us. Goossen played a few games in the majors last year but isn‘t quite ready yet. He will be #3 catcher as well as providing emergency cover at first.


FIRST BASEMEN

Ed Kranepool (75/92) Age 22 (.254 16-57-1)
CON: $275,000 thru 1967 ACQ: June 1962 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1962 New York Mets (6th season)

With a lot of experience for a youngster (nearly 400 starts) Kranepool is our highest paid batter. Wes says he is so slow he couldn’t catch a cold, but he’ll do fine at clean-up.


INFIELDERS
Jerry Buchek (71/72) Age 24 (.236 4-25-0 with St Louis)
CON: $124,000 thru 1967 ACQ: Off season 1967 from St Louis
MLB: 1961 St Louis (6th season)

Bart Shirley (66/74) Age 27 (.200 0-0-0 in 5 AB with Dodgers)
CON: $11,800 until Arb 69 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Dodgers (Rule 5 draft)
MLB: 1964 LA Dodgers (Rookie)

Kevin Collins (66/84) Age 20 (Did not play in majors in 1966)
CON: $11,800 until Arb 70 ACQ: Off season 1964 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1965 New York Mets (Rookie)

Bob Johnson (78) Age 31 (.217 1-10-0 with Baltimore)
CON: $124,000 thru 1969 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Baltimore)
MLB: 1960 Kansas City (8th season)

Chuck Hiller (64) Age: 32 (.280 2-14-0)
CON: $29,900 thru 1967 ACQ: May 1965 from San Francisco
MLB: 1961 San Francisco (7th season)


I’m concerned. Three new faces, all three mediocre and two on huge salaries. Collins will almost certainly see some playing time while this mess is being straightened out.


OUTFIELDERS
Tommy Davis (78) Age 28 (.313 3-27-3 with Dodgers)
CON: $166,000 thru 1969 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Dodgers
MLB: 1959 LA Dodgers (9th season)

Cleon Jones (81) Age 24 (.275 8-57-16)
CON: $31,100 until Arb 69 ACQ: July 1962 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1963 New York Mets (4th season)

Al Luplow (71) Age 28 (.251 7-31-2)
CON: $80,000 thru 1967 ACQ: Off season 1966 from Cleveland
MLB: 1961 Cleveland (7th season)

Larry Stahl (77/78) Age 25 (.250 5-34-5 with Kansas City)
CON: $11,800 until Arb 69 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Kansas City
MLB: 1964 Kansas City (4th season)

Johnny Lewis (72) Age 27 (.193 5-20-2)
CON: $12,800 until Arb 68 ACQ: Off season 1965 from St Louis
MLB: 1964 St Louis (4th season)


Cleon Jones is the only outfielder who is guaranteed to start. The others will have to fight for the other two spots. Davis had some fabulous years with the Dodgersthings went downhill culminating in a broken ankle in ‘65. He came back strongly last year and, with any luck, will continue the comeback with us.

[kevarms]

STARTERS
Don Cardwell (89) Age 31 (6-6 4.60 ERA 1 CG with Pittsburgh)
CON: $121,000 thru 1969 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Pittsburgh
MLB: 1957 Philadelphia (11th season)

Jack Fisher (82/92) Age 28 (11-14 3.68 10)
CON: $316,000 thru 1967 ACQ: Off season 1964 from San Francisco (special draft)
MLB: 1959 Baltimore (9th season)

Ralph Terry (83) Age 31 (0-1 4.74 0 in 24.2 IP)
CON: $101,000 thru 1968 ACQ: August 1966 from Kansas City
MLB: 1956 New York Yankees (12th season)

Tom Seaver (86/92) Age 22 (Rookie)
CON: $11,800 until Arb 70 ACQ: April 1966 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1967 New York Mets (Rookie)

Jerry Koosman (81/92) Age 24 (Rookie)
CON: $11,800 until Arb 70 ACQ: August 1964 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1967 New York Mets (Rookie)


The pitching staff is the least of my worries. We have good experience along with two exciting prospects in Seaver and Koosman. Cardwell takes over from Fisher as our ace. Jack took it quite well when I broke the news. He even laughed at my little joke about his extra poundage.

RELIEVERS
Dick Selma (79/92) Age 23 (4-6 4.24 1 SV)
CON: $11,800 until Arb 69 ACQ: May 1963 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1965 New York Mets (3rd season)

Ron Taylor (87) Age 29 (2-3 5.71 0 with Houston)
CON: $53,000 thru 1967 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Houston
MLB: 1962 Cleveland (6th season)

Joe Grzenda (79/81) Age 29 (0-2 3.27 0 in 22 IP with Kansas City)
CON: $13,400 until Arb 68 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Kansas City
MLB: 1961 Detroit (4th season)

Bob Shaw (72) Age 33 (11-10 3.92 0 )
CON: $111,000 thru 1967 ACQ: June 1966 from San Francisco
MLB: 1957 Detroit (11th season)

Bill Graham (59/65) Age 30 (0-0 0.00 0 in 2 IP with Detroit)
CON: $11,800 until Arb 68 ACQ: Off Season 1967 from Detroit
MLB: 1966 Detroit (Rookie)

Chuck Estrada (65) Age 29 (1-1 7.30 0 in 12.1 IP with Cubs)
CON: $59,500 thru 1967 ACQ: Off Season 1967 from Chicago Cubs
MLB: 1960 Baltimore (7th season)


Selma takes over as closer after the departure of Jack Hamilton to California. He seems a little unsettled so I’m hoping he will relish the responsibility. Taylor will set-up. I’m concerned about Estrada. He seems to be having some trouble with his arm. For the time being he will only be getting spot starts.

[kevarms]

DOWN ON THE FARM

AAA-Jacksonville Suns (International League)

Ken Singleton LF/RF
Don Shaw RP


AA-Williamsport Mets (Eastern League)

Bud Harrelson SS
Ron Swoboda LF/RF

Swoboda has already played in the bigs but I think he needs a little more work in the minors. Harrelson is not far off.

A-Mankato Mets (Northern League)
Joe Moock 3B
Danny Frisella RP
Bill Dennehy SP

Frisella and Dennehy move up from rookie ball. Moock seems to have hit a wall in his development. After four seasons with the rookies he needs to buck up.

R-Marion Mets (Appalachian League)

Amos Otis CF
Ken Boswell IF
Bob Heise IF
Mike Jorgensen 1B
Frank Estrada C
Lute Barnes 2B
Gary Gentry SP
Bill Parsons SP
Buzz Capra SP
Brent Strom SP
Tommy Moore RP
Al Schmelz RP
Jerry Hinsley RP
Don Rose SP


I'd say the future looks very bright indeed!!!

[kevarms]

Hm, might want to ask a mod to move this over to Dynasties for you

Doh! That's a good start. I was just too excited to be finally posting a dynasty.

[kevarms]

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
March 31, 1967


1967 SEASON PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

AMERICAN LEAGUE

1. Detroit Tigers (1966-3rd)
The Tigers are hot favourites to win the AL this year after a tragic 1966 season. With the arrival of veteran slugger Eddie Matthews from the Braves the line-up is looking as formidable as any in baseball. With Denny McLain (20-14) at #1 in the rotation again and Earl Wilson putting up an impressive 2.59 ERA, the Tigers will hope Mickey Lolich can improve on his 14-14 record. If he does then the Tigers could well win 100+ games.

2. Baltimore Orioles (1966- World Champ)
Last year's surprise World Series winner look to be the only other serious contender. The Orioles have some major fire power in Triple Crown winner Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson and Boog Powell and good gloves throughout the line-up. Jim Palmer and Dave McNally have good backup in the bullpen from veterans Stu Miller and Eddie Fisher.

3. Minnesota Twins (1966- 2nd)
After a disappointing 1966 which saw the Twins relying on Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva for scores, the line-up has been bolstered by the addition of rookie Rod Carew. 1964 Cy Young winner Dean Chance is another new arrival.

4. New York Yankees (1966-10th)
Finishing last for the first time since 1912 was humiliating for the Bronx Bombers and, despite no major signings expect a dramatic improvement from The Mick et al.

5. Chicago White Sox (1966-4th)
A breakout year for Tommie Agee was the only bright spot offensively in 1966. New arrival Ken Boyer ought to add a little more spark to the line-up but it's the solid rotation and bullpen that will keep the South Siders from oblivion

6. Cleveland Indians (1966-5th)
Despite new ownership and their future in Cleveland secured, the Indians remain in financial difficulty. Expect them to struggle as they are forced to offload some assets.

7. California Angels (1966-6th)
Although the Angels have some of the best gloves in baseball the line-up looks pretty lacklustre with ex-Twins Don Mincher and Jimmie Hall adding nothing to get excited about. With Jack Sanford the pitching lynchpin, the Angels will be hoping for something special from phenom Andy Messersmith.

8. Boston Red Sox (1966-9th)
The Sox line-up has some firepower but the rotation is looking very weak, with only Jim Lonborg having any real quality

9. Washington Senators (1966-8th)
With the baseball fans of Washington DC staying at home in record numbers last year, 1967 sees even less reason to get excited about the Senator.

10. Kansas City Athletics (1966-7th)
The worst team in baseball, despite a rotation that shows a lot of promise and a new MLB single season saves record for Jack Aker, will be moving after this season if Charlie O. Finlay gets his wish.




NATIONAL LEAGUE

1. San Francisco Giants (1966-2nd)
The Giants went close last year and they can go one better if Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry get some support from the rest of the pitching staff. Marichal and Perry combined for 46 wins in 1966.

2. Philadelphia Phillies (1966-4th)
Dick Allen (40 HR, 110 RBI) was the leading light of this aging line-up and, with Jim Bunning and Larry Jackson showing they are still top drawer pitchers, the Phillies could well be serious contenders.

3. Atlanta Braves (1966-5th)
Despite losing Eddie Matthews to Detroit, the Braves have a formidable line-up and some good young pitchers coming through. After a winning first year in their new home the Braves will also be in the reckoning.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers (1966- NL Champ)
With Sandy Koufax announcing his retirement the Dodgers will be relying on old hands Don Drysdale and Don Sutton, who was impressive in his rookie year.

5. St Louis Cardinals (1966-6th)
Expect a breakout season from starter Steve Carlton, but a lack of depth on offense means another middling year for the Cards.

6. Cincinnati Reds (1966- 7th)
Milt Pappas posted his career worst ERA (4.29) in his first year at Crosley Field. If he continues to struggle things look grim for the Reds.

7. Chicago Cubs (1966- 10th)
Nowhere near the worst team in this league despite finishing rock bottom last year. With the exception of first baseman Ernie Banks this team is still very young and will only improve. Look out for a rookie pitcher called Joe Niekro who did enough in summer camp to be included in the rotation .

8. Pittsburgh Pirates (1966-3rd)
The Pirates will slump this year as their weak rotation is finally exposed

9. Houston Astros (1966- 8th)
In desperate need of some experienced hands, this young team is still a few years off being contenders.

10. NEW YORK METS (1966- 9th)
Last year's 66-95 finish was their best ever but the Mets won't be anywhere close to that. With the loss of their only established slugger Ken Boyer to the White Sox the line-up is just terrible. Things look as bad for the pitchers with TWO rookies finding their way onto the rotation.
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Last !!?? Hmm, well I can see why people would think that and I’m not about to go setting unrealistic targets. Last year we went 66-95. This year I want us to get 67 wins. Not too much to ask I feel.

[kevarms]

APRIL PREVIEW

Opening Day at Shea this year will be on April 4th against the Astros. Hopefully we can pick up one if not two wins. After that we fly to LA where Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman are scheduled to debut. Should be interesting.

Line-up			Bench			Rotation	Bullpen

CF Jones		C Sullivan		Cardwell	Selma
3B Buchek		IF Johnson		Fisher		Taylor
LF Stahl		LF Davis		Terry		Grzenda
1B Kranepool		2B Hiller		Seaver		Shaw (Bob)
RF Lewis		OF Luplow		Koosman	        Graham
C  Grote		1B Goossen		                Estrada
2B Collins
SS Shirley

[kevarms]

APRIL 1967

With a few days until the season gets underway I take the opportunity to see what free agents are available. Nobody with any experience, but a few more farm players won't do any harm. The best of them aren't interested in signing for us. I do manage to pick up three outfielders:

Al Yates (56/71), Danny Walton (58/86), Jim Williams (64/87),

and a bunch of pitchers:

Norm Angelini (53/80), Jerry Bell (73/84) , Lance Clemons (52/79), Mike Corkins (52/87), Jerry Cram (60/78), Ralph Garcia (54/83), Larry Hardy (59/85), Jerry Terrell (55/80), Gary Lance (56/81)


They are dispersed throughout the farm system.
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Apr 2 - The Astros concluded a multi-player deal with the Reds.

To Astros:
CF Vada Pinson (85) Age 28 (.301 Avg, 167 HR, 724 RBI, 181 SB Career)
$224,000 10th season Former Gold Glove and All Star

SS Leo Cardenas (77) Age 28 (.267, 65-362-21)
$171,000 8th season 1966 All Star Former Gold Glove

LF Deron Johnson (82) Age 28 (.264, 94-359-5)
$120,000 7th season

C Johnny Edwards (87) Age 28 (.253, 54-297-5)
$73,000 7th season Former All Star and Gold Glove


To Reds:
RP Turk Farrell (81) Age 33 (90-95, 3.47 ERA, 58 SV)
$107,000 12th season Former All Star

3B Bob Aspromonte (72) Age 28 (.254 Avg, 45 HR, 289 RBI, 16 SB)
$87,500 9th season

2B Bob Lillis (63/64) Age 36 (.236, 3-132-23)
$25,300 10th season

RF Rusty Staub (74/85) Age 23 (.224, 42-226-6)
$129,000 5th season

Looks to me like the Reds wanted to off-load some salary...and give up on the season before it's started!


April 4-6
Houston Astros (0-0) @ New York Mets (0-0)

April 4: Opening Day. Don Cardwell completes the game and a two-run homer from Johnny Lewis secures the win. Mets 5-2
W: Don Cardwell (1-0) L: Dave Giusti (0-1)

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Yay!

[Overbay17]

Looking good so far, can't wait to see what happens! Here's hoping Seaver developes into his historically dominating self for you.

[CatKnight]

Ew. Well, predictions can be wrong...especially if you can get in a decent trade or two over the year.

[kevarms]

Overbay17: Thanks. Me too. I have a house rule that Seaver is going nowhere. Why they ever traded him IRL is beyond me.

CatKnight: I'm pretty confident we won't finish last. It would have to take something ridiculous to happen such as....

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
April 5, 1967

METS ACE IN FREAK ACCIDENT
Hit And Run Taken Too Literally

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Mets pitching ace Don Cardwell is recovering in hospital this morning after a bizarre accident after last night's opener at Shea Stadium. After picking up a win against the Astros he was hit by a car in the parking lot reportedly driven by team-mate Cleon Jones. In another twist, the vehicle is owned by new GM Roy Crabtree.
Witnesses reported seeing several players admiring the white Jaguar, recently imported from Europe. Crabtree was present and it appeared he allowed Jones to get into the driver's seat. As Cardwell was leaving the clubhouse the car suddenly reversed, pinning him against another vehicle. Paramedics were quickly on the scene and Cardwell was rushed to hospital. Several people were interviewed at the scene by police but no charges will be filed. Nobody from the Mets was available for comment but a hospital spokesperson said Cardwell is in a serious but non-critical condition.

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Uh-oh! That takes a bit of the shine off the win. Out for 4 months with a broken hip! Don't blame Cleon though. His foot slipped. Here's the wheels by the way. Nice huh?

Jaguar 420

[bigpapi]

I love it so far. I really look forward to seeing how differently the players in your universe grow from mine, as I also started in 1967. In my dynasty, Tom Seaver has become a solid starter, but nothing close to the real one, and the real stud has been Amos Otis. Good luck friend!

[petrel]

Good luck with the dynasty. It will be interesting to see how the 67 Mets turn out and if they can win a World Championship in 1969 like the real ones.

--Pet