To Rule in KC II: A New Dawn

[CatKnight]

ghettostar: Your dynasty does look like it's off to a good start. Good luck with that!

hanrantrumps: You shouldn't feel insignificant. Everyone has a different writing style. Simply practice with different ideas in your dynasty, and you'll find something you like.

Coach: I'm sure you're right. When I began writing the radio sequence, before I thought to research who the broadcasters were the name 'Bert' popped into my head. Perhaps I was still thinking of Blyleven.

Anyway, that suggested Bert's partner. Ernie.

gosensgo: No, definitely not. BTW, your catcher, Micheal Tatlock, is with the Expos now.
*******

April 5


Flashes from a dozen cameras lit up the hospital's hastily set up conference room. I stood behind a long, low table covered with a white cloth and the Royals emblem with several microphones just under my face. The microphones hid my hands, which gripped the table tightly. My head didn't hurt as much now, but too much activity still left me exhausted. Standing, for now, seemed to qualify.

Doctor Grissom sat on my left. I'd invited Karl Holtz to attend as well, since he'd held the fort for the past week, but he declined saying there was still much to do to get ready for our stadium's grand opening.

Reporters from every daily newspaper within fifty miles attended the meeting, as well as a number of local radio and television stations. Perhaps in deference, they let me tremble and catch my breath as they spoke amongst themselves.

Grissom tapped my wrist. "Are you sure about this?"

Kat went back to Springfield earlier today. She'd already missed nearly a week of work, a cardinal sin for a first year resident. She'd said I'm almost ready to go home, including pages of handwritten notes on what medicines they should give me and what I should or shouldn't do. I looked at my team doctor and nodded. "I've been here long enough." I grunted, rose to my full height, and turned to the reporters. "Gentlemen."

More flashes. I squinted and shielded my eyes.

"Thank you for coming. I've heard and read a lot of speculation in the past week, and I wanted to make myself available to answer questions. Before I do so, however, I wanted to make a small statement."

I inhaled. "As you know, on March 31st I was in Royals Stadium preparing for what was to be tomorrow's opener when the scoreboard exploded." Not a single report in the past week hinted at sabotage. I couldn't offer any more details than I gave to Ewing. It was the word of a man who'd taken a blow to his head against...well, common sense. Who'd try to sabotage us? Why? And why just the scoreboard? It hadn't destroyed us or shaken our fan base. Our entire opening series sold out.

"Personally I don't remember anything until I woke up in the hospital, so you know the details of my rescue better than I do. I'm beholden to Security Chief Art McBair, the Kansas City Fire Department, EMS, and St. Luke's Hospital for their care." I lowered my head, apparently in thought. Actually I just needed the room to stop spinning.

"We are still investigating why the scoreboard exploded. It appears to have been problems with the wiring. We were running a stress test on the scoreboard at the time by leaving it on for an extended period. Apparently some of the wire shielding failed. There was a power surge, and so..."

Several nods. I did notice a frown or two: Reporters with backgrounds or friends in electronics. If the rubber cover on a wire failed, you might expect a fire...but a power surge and explosion? That required more explanation. Maybe they'd follow up on it better than the State of Missouri had. "We've repaired the damage and state inspectors confirm the scoreboard's safe for operation. I'm told we're running more stress tests now with contractors on standby in case of more problems."

A reporter raised his hand. I didn't really have much else I wanted to say, so nodded. "Yes?"

"Sir, Adrian West, Kansas City Star." I narrowed my eyes. I didn't recognize the name. "Sir, can you tell us why the increased security around Royals Stadium?"

I lifted my head to regard him. The inside of my skull let me know not to make any more sudden movements. "Security?"

"Yes, sir. I've observed nearly a dozen men in the parking lot during the day, and perhaps half that at night with dogs for the past two days. They're stopping anyone who tries to park in the lot."

A number of reporters nodded. They'd also run into the stadium's implacable guardians.

Maybe Ewing did believe me? If so, bless him. "That wasn't my decision, but I support it. I can't speak for Mr. Kauffman or Mr. Holtz, but I would be worried about those who might be overeager and try to take a souvenir from our stadium before it opens. Also, with contractors and inspectors working around the scoreboard I imagine they're interested in making sure only authorized personnel have access to Royals property." That didn't sound quite right, and with my head throbbing I didn't really care.

"Who's Mr. Holtz?" another reporter asked.

"He's my assistant. He's..." No, that was enough. I slumped. Grissom shot up and manhandled me into a chair. He then took the microphone.

"Gentlemen, I'm the team doctor. I'll be taking over this meeting."

I don't remember the rest of the press conference. I remember the reporters playing along and switching to questions about my health. After an eternity of bright lights and rising pain later, the room darkened and Grissom knelt in front of me. "Back to bed with you."

No argument.
*******

April 6

The front page of the Kansas City Star had nothing to do with me or the Royals. Interesting news out of New York.



This is the World Trade Center, a complex of seven buildings belonging to the WTC Association. From what I can gather it's meant to be a center of business and commerce. It'll house the Commodities Exchange, restaurants, and banks. Given the towers' height, they anticipate adding antennae and broadcast masts to help television and radio signals through the city.

The north tower is the tallest building in the world at 1,368 feet. That may not last long however, as the Sears Tower in Chicago should be even taller and open later this year. For now, though, New York has another feather in its cap. Long may it last.
*******

April 7

Well, that was disheartening.

After opening the season by sweeping the Angels, Baltimore took 3 of 4 from us. Furthermore, Splittorff and Blyleven are both hurt for a few days:

Paul strained his elbow on the fifth while giving up 5 runs in 6.2 innings as the O's beat us 6-4.

The next day Blyleven also hurt his elbow, but not before going eight innings giving up four runs. "Thump" Thompson hit two homers with four RBIs to lift us 6-4.

Today Butler fell apart in the fifth, and Buck Martinez's three run blast wasn't enough to make up for it as we fell 5-3.

It's now been one week since the scoreboard exploded. It feels like years ago. At least I get to go home tomorrow.

The Brewers are flirting with immortality. They've now swept both the BoSox and Athletics to open the season and are now 7-0. Guess who we play next?
*******

April 8

Milwaukee's SP Gary Peters, a mediocre has-been from all accounts, welcomes me home by pitching a four-hitter against the Royals. Busby manages to only give up 3 runs in 5 innings work. Torre's so frustrated he actually puts himself in as a pinch hitter (and grounds out.) I suppose I should be grateful for the Angels: We're still in third place at 4-4.

I walked the grounds at Royals Stadium today. To make a long story short, that reporter was right. Security's very tight. Much of Art McBair's crew also works the KC Chiefs games, and he's supplemented them with one of the local rent-a-cop firms. The Kansas City police also put in frequent appearances.

Regardless of their reasons for being there, I'm grateful. The scoreboard is now on 24/7, waiting for its debut. Our new 'board operator decided to have some fun while I was there.

Team         1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9  -  R  H  E
Scoreboard   1   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0  -  1  1  0
Royals GM    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0  -  0  0  1

Very funny.
*******

April 10

Well, isn't this lovely? The Brewers just completed their third straight sweep. They are now 10-0 and by far the best team in baseball. Bud Selig must be having a ball.

I have an alliance with the BrewCrew against the A's, who if nothing else have controlled the AL West the past four years. Maybe I'm worried about the wrong team? Of course, Oakland's started late the last two years.

I wonder if we're going to get the team restarted at all. We earned three runs in that three game set, one per game. Thompson's returned to his form from the first two years of his career: In other words, he stinks - and he's not alone. As a team we're eighth in batting, and tied for seventh in pitching.

This could be a much longer season than we thought when the Sporting News said we'd win 102 games.
*******

[CatKnight]

COMMENTS: A different era.

After much tweaking and testing, I changed the settings to simulate 1973 era baseball. This is one of the reasons we're seeing lower offense totals through most of the league.

In "To Rule" I established the league probably didn't need the DH rule since offense skyrocketed after (historical) rules changes in 1969. The offense going through the roof was because BM's engine simply adds too much in all eras.

I've watched a few games now, and though I'm not too keen on the Royals' performance it feels a lot more like the 1970s era baseball I remember. It wasn't (IMHO) as dynamic as modern ball (or even 1928 ball after I changed that dynasty's settings.) If a team managed to take the lead, it was that much harder for the other team to overcome inertia and take it back.

Here are the settings I am using. If you choose to use them for your own leagues, then I'd run a test or two first: Simulate a season, output and total the relevant stats, compare them to what really happened that year, and tweak. For my purposes, I only used the 1973 AL since this league 'proved' it didn't need the DH for a higher offense.

Ground Outs 102
Line Outs/Fly Outs 101
Singles 97
Doubles 81
Triples 117
Homers 92
Walks 90
Strikeouts 86
Stolen Bases +50 (still slightly low, but not by 10%)
Caught Stealing +40 (still slightly high, but not by 10%)

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Exploding scoreboard, eh? This has to be the mastermind of Bill Veeck!

Furthermore, why is a German working for Major League Baseball...

[ghettostar]

You ever thought about writing a novel Cat? I freelanced for a couple years and have natural ability but could never seem to get a full-fledged novel off the ground much less to a publisher. I think you have it though.

[ghettostar]

Jackie Robinson was black?

"Those are gonna kill you you know." I told Rowley Smith yesterday after a press conference while watching him swallow enough bourbon to put a large animal to sleep.
"Old age will probably kill you" he replied. "And which is more fun, being old or being drunk?". I had to laugh, there is a natural bond between old folks and it wasnt lost upon us.
Rowley is an endearing fellow, about 6'2 195 pounds. Doesnt look his years of 83. He has piercing blue eyes that although once probably landed him more women than he deserved have since faded slightly, liken to the sea after sunset. I let him drown the recent memory
of a reporters feeding frenzy (like stray dogs after a New York strip), and he in turn let me
scribble notes on my trusty pad. When it was finally time to talk baseball he sat down his glass and pulled a cigar
from his jacket pocket. "We're going to the playoffs within 2 years, write that down." he flatly states while placing
the cigar loosely between his lips. I do as im told. I ask him about the recent rumors that he would undertake
both duties of manager as well as GM. This causes him to finally light his cigar. "Back when I was coming up in baseball
thats how it was done. Even when we had GM's they didnt know baseball from cricket. I still dont what the hell cricket is."
He's referring to the pre-1960's era of baseball when managers did indeed often bear the responsibility of both.
I get the feeling that once Mr Smith comments on a topic it is considered 'discussed' in his eyes.
That works for me, I need to get home anyway and catch American Idol-I dont particularly care for it but it helps me feel young.

Our writing styles are eerily similar.

[hanramtrumps]

yea catknight
a novel would be amazing
but for now, go royals
what happened to the Brewers?

[metsguy234]

You should just publish your dynasties... that would be a kick-ass novel

[CatKnight]

PotatoofCouch: Dunno. Got something against Germans?

ghettostar: Thank you. Unfortunately I have the same problem - sitting down and formally plotting, then plodding my way through a novel. I lack patience.

hanramtrumps: I dunno what's going on with the Brews. They're amazing though. (And frustrating) Maybe SI can do a story on them and ruin their chances?

metsguy234: I wish I could! Unfortunately outside of these and similar forums I don't think there's much market for a book about a team that never existed made up of players who, for the most part, played elsewhere. Especially if we don't win the pennant
*******

Team          W    L    GB
Milwaukee    10    0    --
Oakland       5    4     4.5
Minnesota     4    4     5
Kansas City   4    6     6
California    3    6     6.5
Seattle       3    6     6.5

April 11, 1973

We needed a day off to look primarily at our flailing offense. Eric Soderholm's batting .171, Will Thompson .194. I'm still getting plenty of headaches, so after admonishing Joe Torre to keep his tone down I listened as he went through the list. First, he's putting himself back in the lineup despite Buck Martinez hitting .316. "I think I can control the action better on the field." Second, he's sitting Soderholm, moving Hart back to third, and bringing up Cardenal.

"I'd like you to consider bringing Fiore up from Omaha," he added. Mike Fiore, our perennial backup first baseman, looked like he was nearly done in Spring Training. With Thompson flailing though, perhaps having hiim around wouldn't be a bad idea.

"And who do I send down?" I knew the answer of course. Ellie Rodriguez. Ellie was our starting catcher for a few years, and put up with being superceded continually with something resembling patience. At one point he asked to be traded, but I convinced him to hang around one more year. I owe him a chance at a pennant...but we have to get there first. "Alright."

As for pitching, "It'll be good to have Wally back," Joe said. Wally Bunker: In 1969 he'd been our ace, but then again in 1969 that wasn't saying much. He struggled with injury off and on and looked done last year, spending much of the season in Omaha. When he came up he was brilliant going 13-3. He'd hurt himself in spring training. If he can resume last year's form...well, we still have plenty of time to turn this around. The season isn't even a tenth over.

Holtz still has advanced ideas on how I can save on payroll. I told him we probably wouldn't do anything until we were almost certainly out of the pennant race, or Ewing Kauffman told me too. Kauffman knows about our financial situation, but he also knows we have enough cash on hand to absorb losing money for a year if it'll bring us our pennant.

On a similar financial note, I've noticed that stars like OF Bobby Brooks (90) and Lou Brock (84) never signed with a team and are asking for a pittance in salary. The MLBPA continues to accuse us of collusion, but the truth is none of us have the money. Maybe they'll get the hint and have our current stock of players not push so hard for money that could be spent elsewhere.

At least the Brewers finally lost. The Sens took care of them 7-2.
*******

April 12

Opening Day! The Seattle Pilots come to town to help us open our new stadium! (I think once I mentioned the Angels on the 16th. For some reason I must have kept overlooking this series.)

We received final safety certification at 9:30 PM the night before. Even so, a fire engine and two police cars are standing by in case of trouble. Art's backed down on his security measures, but only a little. As I walk the concourse I see guards everywhere. So do the fans, who mutter how we're protected "better than Fort Knox."

Yeah, but does Fort Knox have saboteurs blowing up scoreboards?

Bert Blyleven and Seattle's Marty Pattin opened things up for us, both pitching remarkably well. We wouldn't get our second hit until the sixth when it was already almost too late. Bert gave up a run in the third when Bud Harrelson beat out Torre's throwing arm to steal second and came home on a single. In the fifth Bob Sheldon reached second when 3B Jim Ray Hart threw the ball away, advanced on a bunt and came home on Harrelson's fly.

So it remained until the eighth when Bill Robinson opened with a homer. Jose Cardenal walked, and with Blyleven due up Buck Martinez strode to the plate. Perhaps he didn't care for being benched and wanted to make a statement, for the catcher hit a 2-1 fastball into the left field bleachers. Fingers shut them down in the ninth, and so we won our home opener 3-2.

Pat Kelly went 0 for 3 though. It's the first time in 23 games he hasn't managed at least one hit going back to last year. He's batting .279 so far.
*******

April 15

Another day off as the Angels roll into town. We took the second game when Thump had another 2 HR performance raising his batting average to .216. Pilot SP Adam Strow held us to one run in 7 innings in the third game though and took the win as Busby put in another fair performance on the mound.

The two wins push us into third place. Milwaukee may be drifting back to Earth but they're still 5.5 ahead.

I think we need a good kick to really get us going - a trade, but I'm not sure where we're weakest yet.
*******

April 18

We just finished taking 2 of 3 from California. First, Splittorff fell apart in the sixth but we hit three homers and ground out a 9-7 win. In the second the Angels creamed RP Jim York and our offense couldn't get going as we fell 8-2. In the rubber match Thump went 3 for 5 with his 5th homer as Butler pitched 8 fantastic innings to lift us 6-2.

In the Star's business section I read about a new company operating out of Memphis.



These guys have a small fleet of cargo aircraft - modified Dassault Falcon 20s - and promise to get your package anywhere they fly overnight. So far they seem to be sticking to the eastern part of the country: New York, Philly, Miami, Chicago and so forth.

Neat idea, but do they really think they can do the job better than the Post Office? If they can't get it to you overnight, how can these guys?
*******

April 20

First the bad news: The Brewers have taken 2 from us with the last match tomorrow. Selig must be so proud. Where did he put together a team like this in the offseason? Looking through my records, he didn't really do much: Released a lot of dead weight, but no FA signings worth talking about. Oakland's slipped into last and it's the Pilots threatening to overtake us and take third.

I keep reminding myself the season's very young. Otherwise I'd say the league is being turned upside down.

I watched the first game closely, as Steve Busby pitched. Busby's 0-3 with a lamentable ERA, and the easy choice to go down when Bunker comes back....yet he went 10 innings. We lost because Rollie Fingers pitched the eleventh and blew it. Tonight our offense once more sputtered. We can't win games if we only score 1-2 runs.

The good news is I've asked Art to tone down security. Nothing else has happened: No sabotage, protests, nothing. Just 30-40,000 fans a night looking for a ballgame. I'm pretty much healed up, though loud noises...eh. I cringe whenever we hit a homer, for that means fireworks.

Still, why blow up our scoreboard in the first place? What did they hope to accomplish? That question nags at me, and I can't really ask anyone else for feedback. They think my saboteur's a delusion. I'm starting to wonder if they have a point.

[hanramtrumps]

wow thats incredible
the company info confused me though...
y stick that in there?

[CatKnight]

hanramtrumps: The reason I stuck the WTC and FedEx in there is because it's easy to imagine these days that they've 'always' been around. It's interesting to see that the institutions we take for granted had their beginnings as well.
*******

Team          W    L    GB
Milwaukee    16    3    --
Minnesota    10    7     5
Kansas City   8   10     7.5
Seattle       7   10     8
California    6   11     9
Oakland       6   12     9.5

April 21

The Brews only failed to score in the second and eighth as we drop to 0-6 against them this season. We drop into fourth place behind Seattle. The Star is starting to get nervous, though really it's still far too soon.

Andy Kraft from Minnesota called first to see how I was doing - well enough, thank you - and to profess his innocence regarding the scoreboard blowing up. "I tested that thing myself before I left to work here," he said. "There's no way anything like this could have happened!"

"Andy, can you think of anyone who wouldn't want the stadium to open?" I asked.

"You mean sabotage? No...well, Dale says there were some protests early on. Tree huggers," he continued with disdain. "You know the type. Too much pot and not enough sense. The kind who think the year's still 1969."

The kind Andy reminded me of when I first met him. I suppose being an executive with a steady paycheck does things to people.

"Why don't you ask Dale?" he finished. Dale Arness was the stadium project manager.

"Do you know where I can reach her?"

"Nope. Hey man, I'm expecting Rod Carew in a few minutes so I can laugh at his agent's offer. Let's talk again soon!"
*******

April 22

Andy didn't travel with the team. That's too bad, for they might have benefited from his inside info on my club. As it is, we took a 9-0 lead and held on to win 10-3. Kelly went 2 for 4 with a walk and 3 runs while Butler gave us 7 solid innings.
*******

April 25

We just completed a very satisfying sweep of the Twins, moving into second place 5.5 back. What's more, Wally Bunker is off the D/L and ready to play. Deciding who he should replace isn't easy but we finally go with Dick Drago (83/92) [27] (0-1 9.00 in 5 IP). Five innings isn't nearly enough time to convince me that Drago is or is not having a bad year, but that's the point. He needs playing time to work out the kinks, and at age 27 he's running out of time to improve. Bunker takes over the 3 slot, bumping Busby into the mop-up/spot start position.
*******

April 26

The team's off in New York. The Yanks are in a three-way tie for second at 11-11 (the same record we have), 5 games behind Baltimore.

I stayed behind. Karl Holtz isn't keeping up with the paperwork, so it's my job. I think Holtz and I are both reaching the conclusion that he won't be needed for much longer. So long as I avoid loud noises or sudden movements my head's fine, and Doc Grissom says in another week or two I should be good as new.

Speaking of loud noises, I picked up the phone and hit 'intercom.' "Marcie? Could you step in here for a moment?"

My secretary, a relatively plain girl, appeared a few minutes later. "Yes?"

"Could you tell whoever's drilling to cut it out? I'm trying to work."

She frowned. "Drilling? There's no construction today."

I furrowed my brows. "Don't you hear it?"

Marcie tilted her head, listening, then nodded. "Sounds more like a jackhammer to me, but no. There's no repairs queued or anything like that. Could it be your radio?"

I checked. No. "Is Art here?"

She shook her head. "No. Do you want me to call security?"

"Yes, tell them...." The noise stopped. "Tell them to sweep the stadium, just to be safe."

Marcie nodded. I got up and left my office, taking the (shut down) escalator steps two at a time to get to the main concourse. From there I quickly walked a lap around the stadium looking for anything amiss, twice passing security guards on the same mission.

Nothing.
*******

April 28

No repeat of the drilling/jackhammering. If Marcie hadn't heard it also, I'd think I was losing my mind.

We took 2 of 3 from the Yanks. Bunker's season debut lasted 6 innings giving up 2 runs, but it wasn't until the tenth that we lost that one. In the rubber match we scored 3 in the tenth, while they scored 2 to give us a 7-6 win.

We now host the A's, who have climbed from the cellar back into a tie for fourth. This is good for A's manager Dick Williams, for owner Charlie Finley's stopped issuing ultimatums every day on the radio.
*******

April 30

We end the month 13-14, having lost two heartbreakers to Oakland. In the first game we both scored 3 in the first off pitchers Chuck Dobson and Blyleven. They added one in the sixth - a solo shot by Rick Monday, and we couldn't answer. The final: A's 4-3. Tonight we led 4-3 after six, put Paul Splittorff tired and reliever Cy Acosta was worse. 5-4 A's.

Tomorrow night we have one more game against Oakland, then get a day off to think about how we can improve the team. It's now obvious we're not winning 102 games this year as predicted...and that we might be lucky to win 77 (and so go .500).

[CatKnight]

May 1, 1973
Standings

American East
Team            W    L    GB
Baltimore       21    6   --
Detroit         15   12    6
New York        12   14    8.5
Cleveland       12   14    8.5
Washington      11   16   10
Boston           9   18   12

American West
Team            W    L    GB
Milwaukee       18    9   --
California      14   13    4
Oakland         13   14    5
Kansas City     13   14    5
Seattle         12   14    5.5
Minnesota       10   16    7.5

National East
Team            W    L    GB
Chicago         18    8   --
New York        13   12    4.5
Philadelphia    13   13    5
St. Louis       11   15    7
Pittsburgh      10   16    8
Montreal        10   16    8

National West
Team            W    L    GB
Atlanta         16   10   --
Los Angeles     14   12    2
San Diego       13   13    3
San Francisco   13   13    3
Houston         12   13    3.5
Cincinnati      12   14    4

*******

American League Leaders
Average: Rick Monday (OAK) .387, Bobby Grich (BAL) .385
HR: Brian Downing (MIL) 12, Carlton Fisk (BOS) 10
RBI: Brian Downing (MIL) 31, Carlton Fisk (BOS) 27
Steals: Ron LeFlore (CLE) 20, Mickey Rivers (CAL) 13

Wins: Mike Cuellar (BAL) 6, Three tied with 5
ERA: Jim Hardin (BAL) 1.62, Adam Strow (SEA) 1.66
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven (KC) 47, Dick Bosman (WAS) 41
Saves: Chuck Seelbach (DET) 8, Two tied with 5

National League Leaders
Average: Merv Rettenmund (MON) .387, Ralph Garr (ATL) .385
HR: George Foster (SF) 14, Reggie Jackson (LA) 10
RBI: George Foster (SF) 26, Reggie Jackson (LA) 26
Steals: Frank Taveras (PIT) 14, Bobby Bonds (ATL) 12

Wins: Charlie Hough (LA) 5, Seven tied with 4
ERA: Juan Marichal (SF) 1.61, Two tied with 1.65
Strikeouts: Fergie Jenkins (CHC) 40, Jerry Koosman (NYM) 37
Saves: Tom Walker (CHC) 4, Four tied with 3

Kansas City Royals Leaders
Average: Frank White .296
HR: Will Thompson 6 (5th-T)
RBI: Will Thompson 24 (3rd)
Steals: Kelly, Cardenal 3

Wins: Blyleven, Butler 4 (5th-T)
ERA: Bill Butler 1.90 (6th)
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven 47 (1st)
Saves: Rollie Fingers 4 (4th-T)
*******

Major Injuries
BAL-LF Frank Robinson (92) [37] (.083 0-1 0) - June
CLE-SP Don Gullett (73/82) [22] (0-1 7.41 0 in 1972) - July
CLE-RP Ed Sprague (76/78) [27] (Last played 1969) - July
NYY-2B Len Boehmer (61/64) [31] (.241 0-2 0 in 1972) - September

CAL-C John Stearns (64/77) [21] (Last played 1970) - July
OAK-RP Marcel Lachemann (66/69) [31] (Last played 1971) - July
SEA-SP Tommie Sisk (72/73) [31] (2-0 5.00 0) - July

MON-RF Dwight Evans (92/95) [21] (.400 0-1 0 in 5 AB) - June
MON-LF Wayne Redmond (71/72) [27] (Last played 1971) - August
STL-RP Darold Knowles (82) [31] (2-0 3.31 0 in 1972) - July 1974

HOU-SS Denis Menke (75) [32] (.200 1-5 0) - July
LAD-C Joe Ferguson (80) [26] (.400 1-1 0) - July
LAD-3B Ron Cey (85) [25] (.171 2-5 1) - Season
SFG-SS Marty Martinez (72/73) [31] (.265 0-39 6 in 1972) - June
*******

Trades
None
*******

Milestones
SFG-1B Willie McCovey (89) [35] (.217 4-7 0) - 400 HR
[b]KCR-RF Pat Kelly (91/94) [28] (.290 3-10 3) - 23g Streak
CIN-RF Pete Rose (93) [32] (.315 1-10 2) - 2000 H
*******

Notable Retirements
Dal Maxvill (SS, Montreal): 34 years, 11 seasons
1973: DNP.
Career: .222 5-168 9: 534 H
Teams: Cardinals (62-71), Indians (71), Red Sox (72)
Awards: Gold Glove (68)
*******

Created Players

Will Thompson (1B, Kansas City) (93) [21] is the team leader in HR and RBI, batting .270 6-24 0 after a shaky start. He's currently batting fourth in the order.

Colin Merritt (SP, Cincinnati) (87/94) [21] also started shaky, but has since improved to 4-1, 4.50 ERA, 0 CG in 6 starts. His 32K leads the team and he's currently Cincy's #2 pitcher.

Michael Tatlock (C, Montreal) (68/90) [18] is in a bit of a fix. He's on the Expos bench behind starter Jim Pagliaroni and John Bateman on the bench. As such he's appeared in only one game (April 25 vs. Pittsburgh) where he caught for one inning but did not bat.

[CatKnight]

Early May 1973


Gary Gregg from St. Louis called today to ask how I'm doing. Paranoid, but fine. I decided I couldn't look any more foolish than I felt and told him both about my saboteur, and the drilling/jackhammering I heard a week or so ago.

"Well," he said quietly. "It wouldn't be the first time. You're the one who told me about the Phillies possibly hiring saboteurs to slow construction in Pittsburgh."

"You believe me?" I asked, relief flooding through my head.

"I..think you do need to keep in mind that you just had a nasty knock to the head..."

"Gary!"

"But if you can do that, and you're still convinced you were sabotaged...then yes, I believe you. The next question is why."

"That's the problem." The only owners I didn't get along with, Selig and Finley, gained nothing from blowing up my scoreboard.

"Tell me everything that's changed there that has anything to do with the scoreboard blowing up. I mean anything."

"Well...our home opener was delayed. We switched series with California, opening in LA then coming back here later in the month combining two home stands into one of twelve games. Ewing increased security for a few weeks. We hired several more security guards. The league brought in Karl Holtz to help me for a few weeks."

"Holtz?" Gregg paused. "I heard of him, but can't remember from where. What else?"

"The state and city inspected the scoreboard. We brought back a contractor to take care of that and they're now on retai...ner...."

"Is something wrong?"

"Gary, I'm sorry but I have to go. Let's talk again soon."
*******

On May 1st we beat the A's 6-1. After a day off to adjust our pitching a bit (Fingers, with a 6+ ERA, is no longer our closer), we're off to Los Angeles. Along with the Pilots, we're in a three way tie for second.
*******

Kansas City (14-14) (2nd-T, -3.5g) at California (14-14) (2nd-T, -3.5g)

3: Angels 7-6 (18) California pulled together 23 hits, while we had 17 of our own including two homers. We both scored one in the thirteenth, and KC went through eight pitchers before Steve Busby gave up a double with a runner on second to end it.
LP: Busby (1-4), HR: Thompson (7), White (3)

4: Royals 2-0 Splittorff gave up just four hits in eight innings. Kelly went 3 for 4 with an RBI, Hart 2 for 4 with a homer to tie the series up.
WP: Splittorff (4-2), SV: Clemons (3), HR: Hart (6)

5: Royals 6-3 Bunker put together eight solid innings of his own as Clemons ties Fingers for most team saves. Thump only went 1 for 5, but that one was a seventh inning grand-slam that put us ahead 6-1.
WP: Bunker (2-0), SV: Clemons (4), HR: Torre (3), Thompson (8)
*******

I finally tracked down Dale Arness, the stadium project manager. Ewing had her working on a project in New Orleans of all places. After a few minutes of pleasantries, we got down to business.

"Do you know of anyone who would not want the stadium to open on time?"

I could almost hear her smile. "Ewing told me you suspected sabotage. Anyway, no." She told me about the early protests - people who thought the site should be left in its natural state. "As we began construction they went away. There was some religious group that tried to tell me we were building on a graveyard."

Oh f***. "Indians?"

"No, otherwise I might have listened. They were as white as you and me. Wouldn't really say who we were supposed to be building on top of either."

I made a note. "Alright. Next question. What can you tell me of Testor Construction?"

"Testor came in rather late in the project. They specialized in electronics and I had them wiring the facility when I left."

"Anything strange about them?"

"Not really. They came in with a very low bid though. I asked about it and their director told me Testor thought it an honor to work on the stadium. Between that and publicity, I figure they got their money's worth."
*******

The Angels fall back temporarily, and the A's take their place. A bit early for the A's to be making their comeback isn't it?
*******

Washington (12-19) (5th, -12.5g) at Kansas City (16-15) (2nd-T, -2.5g)

7: Royals 5-1 Russell doubles in his 1 AB scoring two runs to help us lift past the Senators. Blyleven gave us seven very solid innings and York shut the door.
WP: Blyleven (5-3), SV: York (2), HR: Hart (7)

8: Royals 5-1 Five solo shots, including two by bench OF Jeter and C Martinez, help Splittorff get a complete game victory.
WP: Splittorff (5-2), HR: Thompson 2 (10), Robinson (5), Martinez (3), Jeter (1)

9: Royals 4-3 We come back from a 3-1 deficit to sweep the Sens and hand them their fifth straight loss. York and Clemons are flawless in relief, while Torre goes 1 for 2 with 2 walks and 2 runs.
WP: York (1-0), SV: Clemons (5)
*******

In Detroit, newly signed FA Ernie Banks gets his managerial debut when Billy Martin's asked to leave. Banks becomes the first black man to lead a Major League club.

We're doing well enough to keep up with Milwaukee: They've won four straight. we five. If we plan to catch them though, we need to win some games against them.
*******

Kansas City (19-15) (2nd, -2.5g) at Milwaukee (22-13) (1st, +2.5g)

10: Royals 6-2 Butler puts in a strong enough performance that even one shaky inning by Rollie Fingers and two errors can't undo. Kelly hits a 3 RBI double, Hart another homer to beat the Brews.
WP: Butler (5-1), HR: Hart (8)

11: Royals 10-3 5 runs in the sixth puts the nail in Milwaukee's coffin. White and Hart each have 3 RBIs, while Blyleven gets the complete game.
WP: Blyleven (6-3), HR: Hart (9), White (4)

12: Brewers 3-2 I suppose a sweep was a bit much to hope for. The Brews recover their honor, while Torre gets both of our RBI on a homer.
LP: Splittorff (5-3), HR: Torre (4)
*******

I've arranged to meet with the Director of Testor Construction on the 17th when the team leaves town.

Meanwhile, I'm noticing an interesting new dynamic between Jim Ray Hart and Thompson. They're neck and neck for the team home run lead and seem to be baiting and challenging each other. So far it seems friendly enough, but Thompson can have a warped sense of humor, and Hart can be...well, serious is one way of putting it. I'll need to keep an eye on those two.

The Pilots are coming to town. They've slipped to last, but this division is so close this year that means almost nothing.
*******

Seattle (16-21) (6th, -6.5g) at Kansas City (21-16) (2nd, -1.5g)

14: Pilots 5-4 A loss we richly deserved, as we give up three errors. Pilot SP Marty Pattin pitched six innings of perfect ball before PH Eric Soderholm hit a homer to put us on the board. We lose in the ninth when Cardenal drops the ball in deep center turning a triple into the losing run.
LP: Clemons (0-1), HR: White (5), Soderholm (2)

15: Royals 7-2 Trailing 1-0 in the eighth, we score 7 lead by Thompson's second grand slam of the month. Fingers once more proves inefficient, raising his ERA to 6.52, and once more it doesn't matter.
WP: Blyleven (7-3), HR: Thompson (11)

16: Pilots 7-4 We have one big inning scoring four runs, but this time the Pilots mow us down and make Splittorff look foolish.
LP: Splittorff (5-4)
*******

Team          W   L  GB
Milwaukee    25  16  --
Kansas City  22  18   2.5
Oakland      22  19   3
California   18  22   6.5
Seattle      18  22   6.5
Minnesota    17  23   7.5

ALE: Baltimore (30-11), Cleveland (-5.5g), Detroit (-9.5g)
NLE: Chicago (23-18), New York (-0.5g), Philadelphia (-1.5g)
NLW: Houston (22-17), Atlanta (23-18), Los Angeles (-1g)

[Coach Owens]

So Hunter never has discussions with my guy? He too stupid or somethin'?

[hanramtrumps]

wow this is turning into a gripper

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Hey Cat, when this gets inducted into the Dynasty Hall of Fame in October, I'm just going to group part 1 and part 2 together, ok?

At least Milwaukee is regressing as your Royals are surging. You've definitely overcome your slow start. Hopefully Oakland doesn't get it's traditional 2nd-half push.