72 LIBERTY LEAGUE PREVIEW

  

 THE 1972 LIBERTY LEAGUE REVIEW

 

The Liberty Inside Pitch League enters its 4th year and I believe it is entitled to some preseason predictions.  The following predictions are based on BWAR ratings.  Obviously, BWAR is a cumulative stat and there is plenty of room for a player who played less than a full season to make a more significant impact than he did during the 72MLB season.  I think of it as a XRAY which gives you an idea of the structural integrity of the body of work but does not account for the countless factors which contribute to a win or a loss, especially an owner and manager's strategic decisions.   Nevertheless, the stat gives me a benchmark to make some initial analysis.  Kudos go out to Commissioner Rick Queary and his steady leadership in meeting the challenges of starting up a IP league and giving it the stability needed for long term success. 

Here are the preseason power rankings.  The playoff predictions will be posted at the end of the regular season.  Enjoy.

#12.  MILWAUKEE BEARS  (D-)

COUNTY STADIUM  -1K
HITTING: D
PITCHING: D-
OVERALL: D-

FRONT   OFFICE 

Shane Beecraft takes over as the 3rd owner in 3 years of the Bears existence.  The prior two owners compiled a 48-60 record over 2 years so Beecraft enters a team in need of a major rebuild.  Beecraft used the  recent auction to sign Sal Bando (38) and Pete Rose (48) but no comparable moves were made to address the lack of pitching.  It will be interesting to see how Beecraft rebuilds this team.

PITCHING STAFF 

 DRAGO 3.1
SPLITTORFF 2.6
ALEXANDER 1.1
KISON .8
BEENE .7
SCARCE .5
LAWSON .2
CAPRA.B. 0
HIGGINS -.2
KNOWLES 2.6

HITTING

C	GROTE 1
1B	GARVEY 1.6
2B	MAXVILL .1
SS	JACKSON.S. .3
3B	BANDO 5.6
LF	ROSE 4.4
CF	NORTH -.6
RF	CARTY 1.5
19	ALOU.F. 1.6
20	LUZINSKI 1.6
21	HAGUE .8
22	HEALY 0
23	NELSON .8
24	WILLS -1.1
25	CRUZ. J. -.3

ANALYSIS 

Doyle Alexander could be the man who saves the pitching staff from disaster.  His 1.02 WHIP is one of the best in the league.  Drago and Split are solid starters and Knowles is lethal out of the bullpen.  The lack of depth simply sinks this staff to the bottom of the barrel.  Interesting to see if Beecraft moves some pieces in exchange for more long term value for future staffs. 

 Bando and Rose are solid pieces but one wonders if Beecraft's inexperience in an auction caused him to overbid on these two solid players.  The obvious holes in the midfield leaves alot to be desired but it will be interesting to see how long Beecraft's learning curve lasts before the Bears reach the .500 mark. 

 Bottom line:  The Bears look like they will finish last in the Eastern Conference.  Bear fans will enjoy seeing if Rose can win another hitting title and watching Drago and Split perform better than advertised.  Alexander is the wildcard who could challenge for a CY Young award.  It must be exciting to be a new owner in the 72 Liberty IP league.  Hopefully, the enthusiasm leads to long term franchise improvement. 

 

 

#11. LANCASTER REDS  (D)

RIVERFRONT STADIUM -1W
HITTING: D-
PITCHING: C
OVERALL: D

FRONT OFFICE 

Justin Ludwig begins his second year after taking over a franchise that ended its initial season with a 15-39 record.  Ludwig improved that record to 22-32 in 71 and another 7 game improvement would move them over the .500 mark.  The Reds used the auction to solidify their bullpen with Joel Horlen and Don McMahon but left analysts perplexed on why LAN left 50 dollars in their bank instead of adding to their payroll. Perhaps the Reds plan on clearing payroll for next year's auction. Time will tell but it is puzzling why the funds were not used to pay for HOFers on the auction like Joe Morgan and Mike Schmidt.  Schmidt especially fits the story line of building for the future.

PITCHING STAFF

SEAVER 5.2
CUELLAR 3.2
DOBSON. P. 3.1
DOWNING 2
NEWHAUSER 1.1
MURPHY T. 1.1
MONTGOMERY .7
JARVIS .6
MCMAHON .5
BRANDON .5


HITTING

C. KING 1
1B. AARON 3.9
2B. BECKERT .8
SS. VALENTINE .8
3B. KINGMAN 1.5
LF. PINELLA 3.5
CF. LOVITTO .9
RF. CALLISON .9
C.   YEAGER 1
OF. MILLER. R. .7
INF. BLANCO .2
OF  AGEE .1
C. BATEMAN -.1
C. JOSEPHSON -.1
OF SCHNECK  -.1

  ANALYSIS 

Seaver is the ace every staff needs and Cuellar, Dobson and Downing are solid rotation pieces.  Joel Horlen only has a .2 BWAR rating but a 2.34 FIP and a 1.12 WHIP makes him a major wildcard who could cause trouble for opposing hitters.

Watching Hank Aaron play everyday is worth the price of admission and Lou Piniella is always fun to watch because you never know when he is going to do his Billy Martin imitation and get ejected from the game. 

The lack of depth really hurts the Reds chances in 72 but perhaps the long term plan is to endure in 72 and splurge in 73.  Look for LAN to finish 5th in the Eastern Conference. 

#10.   LONG ISLAND EXPRESS  

CANDLESTICK PARK 0
HITTING: C
PITCHING: D+
OVERALL: D+


FRONT OFFICE 

Brian Calvi enters year two of his reign.  The franchise record is 70-92 while Calvi finished 17-37 in his initial season at the helm.  LIX used the latest auction to pay top dollar for Ken Holtzman (38) and Tony Perez (39).   Analysts agree that Calvi may have the steal of the draft in snapping up Jim Willoughby.  Willougby has no restrictions on his innings pitch and brings an outstanding .98 WHIP to every start.  Not bad for a 2 dollar price tag. 

PITCHING STAFF 

LYLE  3.6
HOLTZMAN 2.7
WILLOUGHBY 2.7
ODOM 1.9
JOHNSON BD 1.3
PIZARRO .5
SANTORINI .5
KOOSMAN .4
WILSON .2
AKER .1


LINEUP/BENCH

C. OATES  1.5
1B.  PEREZ  4.7
2B. CULLEN .5
SS. HARRAH 1.6
3B. BILLINGS .6
LF. HENDERSON 2.9
CF. OLIVER.A. 3.2
RF. SMITH.R. 4
19. FORD. T. 2.3
20. FUENTES 1.2
21. HOVLEY .8
22. MICHAEL .8
23. CASANOVA -.1
24. STONE. R. -.2
25. TORRES. R. -.4

ANALYSIS 

Perez, Reggie Smith and Al Oliver provide solid bats in the middle of the lineup but the supporting cast has only 2 players with a BWAR above 2.  The lack of depth in the lineup and the bench keeps this team from rising out of the lower quarter of the league's power ratings.

Sparky Lyle led the 72AL in saves and while he would be highly valued as a closer for a team cashing in on a trip to the playoffs, one wonders how often LIX will manage to create the high leverage situations where he can showcase his talents.  Jim Willoughby is the player to watch to gauge the level of success LIX realizes in 72 but I doubt even Willoughby's great promise can propel the Long Island Express past 4th in a surprisingly weak Eastern Conference.

#9.  GOTHAM KNIGHTS

YANKEE STADIUM -5K  -2W
HITTING: D
PITCHING: C-
TOTAL: C-

 

FRONT OFFICE 

Rick Queary is the commissioner of the league and this league is his brainchild so one expects he knows how to win it all.  In the team's first 3 years of existence, Queary has led the team to a 87-75 record, two playoff appearances and a 1971 World Series ring.  One wonders what he will do for an encore ??

The answer seems to spend big on HOFers like Joe Morgan (57) and Mike Schmidt (27).  Morgan is ready to contribute now while Schmidt develops his skill set in the minors and should be paying dividends in 75 and his 76 option year.  In the meantime, look for the Knights to reload for the future.  There is no doubt that a man who could run an auction and keep tabs on Morgan and Schmidt is a force to be reckoned with in the heat of a close game. 

PITCHING STAFF 

BLASS 4
MCANDREWS 3.6
LINDBLAD 2.5
PETERSON 2
MCNALLY 1.5
FINGERS 1.3
MCDANIEL .9
WATT .9
GENTRY .4
SEGUI .3


LINEUP/BENCH 

C MUNSON 3.5
1B PARKER 2.3
2B MORGAN 9.3
SS PATEK 3.6
3B ROJAS 2
LF MATTHEWS .8
CF MADDOX 1.9
RF GERONIMO .6
2C  MONTGOMERY .3
UT  MCRAE .3
UT  SANCHEZ .2
OF  OGLIVE .1
3B   SCHMIDT .1
IF    KENNEDY -.6
C     RYAN -.4

ANALYSIS 

The Knights are investing in long term dominance.    Morgan and Schmidt are going to dominate the landscape in 74 and 75 and Gotham should be ready to cash in.  In the meantime,  the Commish will enjoy Morgan chasing a MVP trophy while Thurman Munson starts behind the plate.  Munson is Queary's favorite player and there is a simple joy in rolling your dice while your favorite player is either behind or at the plate.

The immediate problem is Gotham makes it's home in the powerful Western Conference.  If they were playing in the weaker Eastern Conference, you could make a case for a possible playoff slot.  Alas, the Western Conference powers will make it hard for the Knights to get out of the Western Conference cellar. 

# 8  FLOUR CITY HOP DEVILS

MEMORIAL STADIUM  +1K  -1W
HITTING: B
PITCHING: D
TOTAL: C

FRONT OFFICE 

Chris Hawes (87-75) enters his 4th season at the helm.  The Devils made the first round of the playoffs in 69 and 71 so Hawes has a proven track record on getting the Devils to the playoffs, now the question is how can he elevate Flour City beyond establishing a beachhead in the playoffs. 

Hawes used the auction to buy himself a starting rotation, solid defense up the middle and even grabbed a two time MVP as well as  a potential future MVP. .  Billingham (13), Tom Hall (20), Bill Lee (16) and Mike Paul (18) should solidify the pitching staff while the old Baltimore double play combo of Belanger (18) and Davey Johnson ( 26) patrol the middle infield.  Roberto Clemente (21) already has two MVPs and a young slugger named John Mayberry (28) will provide instant offense.  This could be the greatest haul of talent of any team in the latest auction.


PITCHING STAFF 

BREWER 3.5
PAUL 3.4
HAND 2.2
LERSCH 1.5
LEE 1.5
CARROLL 1.5
BILLINGHAM 1.3
HALL .9
SINGER -.5
SIMPSON -.5

HITTING 

C. M. MAY 1
1B MAYBERRY 4.9
2B D. JOHNSON 2.7
SS  C. SPEIER 6.1
3B  D. EVANS 3.9
LF  GARR 1.8
CF  MANGUAL 1.3
RF CLEMENTE 4.8
UT  E. WILLIAMS 1.4
3B  D. MONEY 1.9
UT HUTTON .6
SS  BELANGER .5
UT BIITNER .2
IF   JUTZE  .1
PH PACIOREK .1 

ANALYSIS

What the hell is a Hop Devil ??   A Google search reinforces the storyline that beer lovers are among our midst.  Apparently, for the uninformed like yours truly, there is a Hop Devil IPA brewed somewhere in Pennsylvania.  I assume Mr. Hawes has a love for the beverage.  Whatever he is drinking, it must be working.  Hawes did a fantastic job in the auction and has two playoff appearances under his belt.  

The question is will 72 provide us with an encore performance.  You look at the pitching staff and the first thought that crosses your mind is you sure the hell do not want to get behind the Hop Devils.  A bullpen of Brewer, Lee and Carroll is simply lights out. So, the key will be getting a good lead against the starters. The Devils hope Mike Paul and his 2.39 FIP will be a serviceable starter and Rich Hand should eat alot of innings but the rest of the rotation is unimpressive. 

The strength of this team is a solid lineup with productive hitters, a sterling defense and envious depth.  Chris Speier is one of the best shortstops in baseball and John Mayberry is a power house anchoring a formidable offense. The lineup and bench provides a plethora of intriguing options, including Earl Williams, a Swiss army knife who can catch, play first and even roam the outfield.  Must be tough to figure out where to play him.  It must be a simple joy to trout out Roberto Clemente in his last year of play. 

Flour City is a good team playing in a weak division so look for the Devils to place third in the Eastern Conference.  After that, anything can happen in the tournament of randomness. 

#7  EASTSIDE GAS 

 

METROPOLITAN STADIUM -1K -1W
PITCHING: A
HITTING: C
OVERALL: C+


FRONT OFFICE

Tom Mink took over a failing franchise with a 27-41 record and quickly took it over and finished with a 21-19 record.  Folks, that is something even Dave Drombowski would envy.  Mink used the auction to pick up future ace Doug Rau (14) and Jose Cardenal (14) , a hitting machine the Gas can count on for a few years.  The Rau acquisition is especially impressive because Rau has a 10/4 rating and can pitch as much as the 10/4 rating will allow.  These are the type of moves which cause heartburn for the rest of his fellow owners. 

PITCHING STAFF

CARLTON 12.1
PAPPAS 4.1
STOTTLEMYRE 2.6
WISE 1.1
SADECKI .7
LOCKER .7
MILLER .5
RAU .5
REYNOLDS. K. .5
GOGOLEWSKI 0


HITTING 

C. BOONE 1
1B. EPSTEIN 5.2
2B. LACY 1.5
SS. KESSINGER 2.9
3B. SCHAAL 1.6
LF. BROCK 1.7
CF. BONDS 5.1
RF. CARDENAL 1.7
1B  MINCHER 1.8
UT FANZONE .8
IF  CONCEPCION .7
3B  REITZ .3
OF WILLIAMS.BE. .2
C    CANNIZZARO 0
UT  SUDAKIS -.2 

ANALYSIS 

Steve Carlton had one of the best seasons in the history of baseball .  In 1972, he won 27 games on a team who only posted 59 total wins.  You want an ace, Mink has the best in 72 to put up on the mound in the middle of a pennant race or a must win game in the playoffs.   Milt Pappas is a serious #2 and Stottlemyre can eat up the innings in the #3 slot.  Rick Wise's talents are fading but he should be able to hold down the #4 slot and Sadecki can replace any starter in a pinch.  The key to this pitching staff is the rookie sensation Doug Rau.  Mr. Mink knows how to put his players in the best position to succeed so it will be exciting to see what he does with Rau. 

Lou Brock, Bobby Bonds and Jose Cardenal provide a great combination of power and speed yet they have some defensive liabilites.  Brock and Cardenal have below average ranges and Bonds has a shocking 20 error rating in CF.  Mike Epstein had a 163 OPS+ and should ravage opponent pitching and Kessinger should provide above average performance at shortstop.  Don Mincher should be a potent bat off the bench but the rest of the bench leaves alot to be desired.

Fortunately for the Eastside Gas, they play in the Eastern Conference and even though they rank #7 in these power rankings, they rank #2 in the Eastern Conference rankings.  The problem for the rest of us if ESC makes it's way deep in the playoffs, Steve Carlton and company could cause the rest of us nightmares when recalling the 72 season in the Liberty League. 

# 6 CATALINA KITCHEN PASS

FENWAY PARK  +3W
PITCHING: A-
HITTING: C+
OVERALL: B-


FRONT OFFICE

This franchise was formerly known as the Boston Brewers.  All John Brewer did was post the best career record in league history (107-55) , make 3 playoff appearances and two World Series appearances.  Granted, no World Series rings but man, what a ride.

Tom Gyepes (0-0) takes over this historic franchise playing in a historic park so the pressure must be immense.  Gyepes used the auction to acquire Gullett (23), B. Robinson (26) and Roric Harrison (10).   Gullett and B. Robinson are solid picks and Harrison with his 1.09 WHIP will cause opponent's problems.


PITCHING

GIBSON 7.1
JENKINS 5.8
HANDS 3.5
HARRISON 1.9
BRILES 1
HOERNER 1
RICHERT .9
STANHOUSE .5
KELLEY. T. .3
FRISELLA .2


HITTING

C. RADER 1.6
1B. HICKMAN 2.4
2B. SIZEMORE 2.6
SS.  ALLEY 1.9
3B  ROBINSON. B. 3.5
LF  YASTEZEMSKI 2.7
CF MONDAY 1.2
RF SCHEINBLUM 2.8
OF CARBO 2.1
C    RUDOLPH .3
C   ETCHEBARREN .6
UT HART .5
OF  SWOBODA .4
IF   FREGOSI .4
OF  THOMASSON .1


ANALYSIS

Gibson, Jenkins and Hands is a playoff bound rotation. Richert and Frisella can shutdown any opponent's rally and Harrison is a high leverage swingman who can cause opponent's headaches. 

Brooks Robinson (3.5) is the top rated player in the lineup and the front office brain trust must be worried about some classy veterans like Yaz, Monday and Hickman on the downside of their careers.  The bench does not provide the quality depth one would hope for so injuries of declining vets could raise its ugly head.

CKP finds itself in the tough Western Conference.  Even though they have an  A pitching staff, it is not enough to overcome the C+ hitting of fading veterans.  Look for CKP to place 5th in the Western Conference. 

#5.  JACKSON HEIGHTS METROS

SHEA STADIUM  +4K  +1W
PITCHING B
HITTING B
OVERALL B

FRONT OFFICE

Tony Porter reminds me of Billy Martin.  ( My father loved Billy Martin ). A web tube guru who loves to slice and dice any baseball sim game for your viewing pleasure, he is filled with intensity, looks for every strategic advantage in a game, and since we do not have any umpires, he loves to rant and rave and kick dust over the Liberty League rule book :)  Tony would not get along with Sparky Anderson, aka Captain Hook.  Like Martin, his starters are staying in until their arms fall off and then he will ask them to use their other arm to finish the game.  Bullpens are filled with losers in Porter's mind and unless you can show him a 1.03 WHIP like Ramon Hernandez, just get your ass out to the bullpen and wait for his call.

His methods seem to be having an effect.  After a rocky 20-34 69 campaign, JHM hit the 500 mark with a 27-27 70 record and made the first round of the playoffs in 71 before being swept by Kansas City. 

He signed up Marty Pattin (18), Gene Tenace (32) and Rusty Staub (10) in the off season but left 28 dollars in the bank, indicating he is freeing up payroll for the 73 auction.


PITCHING 

HUNTER 5.7
PATTIN 3.5
BARR 2.9
BRYANT 2.9
HERNANDEZ 2.3
ELLIS 1.9
GRIMSLEY 1.1
BLUE .7
SOSA .4
SHORT -.1

HITTING

C. DUNCAN 2.8
1B. POWELL 2.4
2B. CASH 3.5
SS. CHANEY .8
3B. GARRETT 1.5
LF. RUDI 6.1
CF  OTIS 3.1
RF  MADDOX.E. 2.5
UT  BUCKNER 2.2
OF  ROBINSON. F. 2
2B   GREEN .9
OF   STAUB .7
OF   COGGINS .6
UT   TENACE .5


ANALYSIS

Catfish is an ace on anyone's team.  Pattin, Barr and Bryant can eat up innings and Ramon Hernandez is a lights out closer.  The key to this staff is the ability of Vida Blue and Dock Ellis to get through the season without blowing out their arms under the stress of Porter's policy on starters.

Joe Rudi (6.1) leads a lineup that has extraordinary depth and can beat you in a variety of different ways.  The only problems Porter will face is finding enough playing time for all these solid players.  Unfortunately, it looks like all this depth masks the lack of top tier talent given the only hitter with a WAR over 3.5 is Rudi.

Billy Martin did not like the press and I am sure Tony feels  the same way about this preview of his team.  He will rant about the inadequacies of using WAR to measure the talents and abilities of his players and a number of other things I cannot wait to hear.  While the intensity is to be admired, the fact is the Metros play in a very tough Western conference and the numbers say they will finish 4th in the conference. I just hope he reads this after our opening series is over. :)

#4.  INDY HOSERS

ASTRODOME +2K  +1W
HITTING: B+
PITCHING: B+
OVERALL: B+

FRONT OFFICE 

Conrad Brunner has a 69-81 career record.  He inherited a team with a 5-7 record and someone else's auction picks and transformed the franchise into a playoff contender in 1970 and 1971.  Brunner is the reason we have Washington/Texas players in the player pool. His love of these players can be viewed in various ways but his early acquisition of Claude Osteen and his 5.1 WAR for a backup 1B is a reason to be very leery when dealing with him from a position of desperation.  Brunner used the auction to pick up Davey Lopes (20) but existing contracts limited his ability to add more significant talent.


PITCHING

SUTTON 6.6
HOOTON 5.1
OSTEEN  5.1
ABERNATHY 1.8
CURTIS  1.4
UPSHAW .9
SIEBERT .4
PHOEBUS .1
CLEVELAND -.1
ROOKER -.4

HITTING 

C. SIMMONS 4.5
1B. DAVALILLO 3
2B. STENNETT 1.8
SS. BOWA 1.7
3B  SANTO 5
LF MILNER 1.5
CF MURCER 8.2
RF JACKSON.R. 5.6
OF RETTENMUND .8
IF  KENNEY .8
OF EVANS. D. .4
C.  FERGUSON .4
IF.  LOPES .3
SS  BENIQUEZ 0
1B  PEPITONE -.1

ANALYSIS

My prized baseball cards were the 1965 Willie Mays card and Johnny Bench's rookie card.  I purchased the Bench card at the local drugstore and was so excited I jumped on my bike and tore out for home to tell my buddies.  I was going so fast I was actually pulled over by a cop who asked where was the fire.  I held up the Bench card and told him  I was on a mission to share the good news with my buddies.  The cop told me Bench would not like for me to get run over and lose his card so I dutifully slowed down ( until the cop was gone).  Unfortunately, I was 12 years old when I purchased the card and since I had no brothers, only 3 sisters, (until my little brother was born the next year), I did not have anybody to protect me from the other guys in the neighborhood. One guy knew I liked the Giants so he pulled out a Tom Haller card , a catcher with the Giants and he hit as many homers as Bench while Johnny played for the Reds.  Since I had not been exposed to a logic class the Jesuits would later teach me, I made that terrible trade and regret to this day. Too bad the cop told me never to trade that Bench card.

Brunner is like the guy I traded Bench to back in the old neighborhood. Here I was, demoralized because John Mayberry wanted too much money to fill my 1B hole, I acted out of desperation and sent Osteen (5.1) to the Hosers ( aptly named) and instantly felt buyer's remorse when Tony Porter told me I could have had Bill Buckner.  The Jesuits would be disappointed if they were still alive.

The Hosers have a 3 man rotation of Sutton, Osteen and Nolan who could mow down any opposing lineup.  Abernathy is a veteran closer who will protect alot of leads.  The problem with the pitching staff is making sure Indy can get from the starters to Abernathy because everything in between is unimpressive. 

Veterans Simmons, Santo, Murcer and Reggie Jackson will score their share of runs. The key will be if opponents can keep them from doing too much damage with ducks on the pond. 

The Hosers are the top rated team in the Eastern Conference and the path looks like they will make it all the way to the World Series.  Man, did I just hand the Hosers a World Series ring ??

#3  CHICAGO COLTS

WRIGLEY FIELD -2K
HITTING A-
PITCH C+
OVERALL A-

FRONT OFFICE

Colt nation is still basking in the glow of a 1971 championship and the rings will be given out on opening day.  For Joe Ingersoll, it's just a pleasant memory which he does not dwell on so he can concentrate on winning a second World Series ring, something no one has accomplished in the brief league history.

Ingersoll's track record is impressive.  He took over a franchise with a 18-24 record and compiled a 75-45 record since he took over the chair in the front office.  He decided if it isn't broken, don't fix it so he did not sign any major talent in the auction.


PITCHING

TIANT 6.5
NELSONR. 5.1
NOLAN 3.3
STONE.S. 1.6
SCHUELER 1.3
BONHAM .8
BOLIN .6
DOWNS .6
REYNOLDS .3
JACKSONG. .3

HITTING

C. BENCH 6.9
1B. STARGELL 3.9
2B GRICH 6
SS  APARICIO 2
3B TORRE 2.7
LF WILLIAMS.B. 6.2
CF W. MAYS  2.2
RF CRAWFORD 1.3
OF CLINES 1.6
IF   MENKE 2.2
1B  HEGAN 1
UT  ELLIS .8
OF  BROOKS .5
UT  STEIN .3
OF  MARQUEZ .2 

ANALYSIS

When you are the defending World Series champ and hold down a top 3 power ranking in the preseason polls, another trip to the World Series seems like a realistic goal and there are alot of reasons to believe it can come true.

Ever tip toe through a minefield ?? Opposing pitchers will feel the same level of stress when you face an All Star lineup with stars like Bench, Stargell, Grich, Torre, Billy Williams and Willie Mays.  The bench has a number of ways to beat you, whether it is speed, defense or clutch pinch hits.

The starting trio of Tiant, Nelson and Nolan can match up with any trio in the league but the talent level falls off after that so there is concern about how far the trio can take the Colts in 72.  This leaves Ingersoll with an interesting problem.  Does he trade some of his outstanding hitters  to shore up his pitching staff or does he just sit back and watch his hitters decimate opposing pitchers all the way to another World Series championship.  Perhaps Wrigley Field provides a hint.

Unfortunately, the pitching staff issue brings down the team's overall power ranking.  Couple that with the fact they do business in a powerful Western Conference and the numbers point to a third place finish in the West.  Nevertheless, the Colts are the defending champs and the numbers still say they make it to the first round of the tournament of randomness.  Anything can happen in the playoffs.

#2 SO CAL STINGERS

THREE RIVERS -1W
HITTING:  A
PITCHING: B-
OVERALL: A


FRONT OFFICE

Ed Pernal (86-76) led the Stingers to the 1969 World Series championship and his team looks ready to contend for a second ring.  Pernal did his best Steinbrenner-Cohen impression, signing Palmer (47), John (49), Sanguillen (37) and Bill Russell (20).  Not only are these stars extremely productive, they all have MLB World Series rings. 


PITCHING

PALMER 5.2
MCGRAW  4.3
KLINE 2.7
JOHN 2.3
MOOSE 2.3
DAL CANTON 1.2
RICHERT .9
KEKICH .5
SHELLENBACK .5
SCOTT .3

HITTING

C. SANGUILLEN 3.4
1B.PEREZ.T. 4.7
2B. CLARKE 3
SS. RUSSELL 2.2
3B. HEBNER 5.3
LF. WHITE 5.3
CF. DAVIS.W. 5.7
RF. MOTA  2.7
UT BAYLOR 2.2
OF ALOU.F. 1.9
1B. KRANEPOOL 1.1
IF  GILBREATH .4
UT TAYLOR.C. .3
1B. CEPEDA  .3
IF.  POPOVICH 0


ANALYSIS

Not sure how anyone can outhit this team.  Pernal stresses getting on base more than Billy Beane in Moneyball.  Perez and Hebner will provide the power to knock in the jack rabbits on the bases.  There is just no weaknesses in this lineup and no where for opposing pitchers to rest. 

Palmer is the ace of the staff and one can argue McGraw is the best closer in the league.  The key to the Stingers fortunes will be the ability of Tommy John, Steve Kline and Bob Moose to hold the leads until Pernal can call McGraw in from the bullpen. 

Just an outstanding hitting club with just enough pitching to go all the way.  The lack of quality long relief is the only potential weakness. Bottom line,  a tight pennant race between the Colts, Stingers and Monarchs will provide plenty of excitement.  While all three will make the playoffs, the numbers indicate a second place finish for SOCAL in the tough Western Conference.

#1  KANSAS CITY MONARCHS

MUNICIPAL STADIUM -2K -1HR
PITCHING A+
HITTING A+
OVERALL A+

FRONT OFFICE

Although Kansas City has a 51-57 franchise record in two years of existence, last year  Monarchs barely qualified for the playoffs before riding some hot pitching and clutch hitting all the way to the division playoffs before being overpowered by the Chicago Colts. 

Rick Reuschel (25) was the main signing during the auction and the trio of Blair, Tolan and Harper were signed to fill the holes in the outfield.  Steve Busby (7) was an investment in the future.

Rube Foster takes the helm as the team GM while Buck O'Neil returns to manage KCM supported with pitching coach Satchel Paige and hitting coach Josh Gibson.

PITCHING

MATLACK 6.1
NIEKRO 5.4
REUSCHEL 2.7
SPINKS 2.7
GIUSTI 2.4
REED 1.3
BUSBY 1.3
MCGLOTHIN 1.1
HAMILTON .8
BORBON .4

HITTING

C. FISK 7.3
1B. BLOMBERG 2.3
2B. BLANKS .8
SS. CAMPANERIS 5.4
3B. PETROCELLI 2.7
LF. BLAIR 2.5
CF. BAKER 5.1
RF. TOLAN 4.9
C.   KIRKPATRICK 3.5
1B. GOODSON 1.1
1B. CATER 1
OF. LUM .9
2B  GRIFFIN .7
C    FAHEY .5
IF  GAGLIANO .4


ANALYSTS

How do you build a championship team ??  Do you bomb your team into submission with unrelenting power , do you just find 3 o4 aces like the Atlanta Braves or do you look for a combination of pitching, defense, speed and a few quality hitters and hope for the best ??

Monarch fans are hoping the last option will do the trick.  Matlack and Niekro fit the bill for an ace and a #2 starter and pitching coach Satchel Paige believes Rick Reuschel and Scipio Spinks will be the X factor to stabilize the rotation.  Dave Giusti is a quality closer and Borbon and Hamilton should be able to build a bridge between the starters and Giusti.  Steve Busby will provide long term value to the franchise.  

  I was surprised as anyone the numbers left KCM with the top preseason power ranking.  For now, that means KCM is the favorite to win the Western Conference and win its first World Series.  As we all know, the regular season can change these rankings with trades, injuries and the luck of the dice. Still, it is nice to know the Monarchs have a shot to go all the way in the tournament of randomness. This could be the most exciting pennant race since the 1967 AL season.

A review of the league playoffs will take place at the end of the season.