1969 and on (royals)
 

Well as much as I would lovev to write an incredibly interesting thread that kept everyone on the edge of their seats, I cannot, I am just not that talented. But, I thought a few might find it intersting to keep up with the pseudo reality that I achieve in my MLB replay beginning in 1969.

I have rookies set to enter the majors with their real team, also have trades set to minimal and/or difficult, whichever it is. The league will expand and adjust just as it did in real life.

I am serving as the gm for the royals, as my username indicates they have always been my team. I will plan on giving yearly updates about the "big" things that occur around the bigs, and some team specific KC stuff.

This whole idea to post came to be a little late, it is already the 1970 season.

I will try to catch you up on what occurred in the 1969 campaign. I apologize for not including the standings, I will try to do better in the future.

The world series champs were the Baltimore orioles, they defeated the Philadelphia phillies in 6 games. The braves and the a's we're in the playoffs as well.

Single game highlights include:
Jimmy Wynn hitting 3 homers and driving in 10 for the Astros at wrigley field
Hank Aaron hitting for the cycle for the braves
Tom Seaver threw a no hitter as the mets beat the cardinals

1969 season accomplishments:
Pitching reigned supreme as 13 pitchers were 20 gm winners
Baltimore and Oakland each had 3 (cuellar, McNally, Palmer & c Dobson, hunter and blue moon odom)
MVP honors went to
Reggie Jackson (oak). .296 49 120
Willie mccovey (sf) .290 35 92

Cy young award
Mel stottlemyre jr (NYY). 24-10 2.43
Jerry koosman (nym). 22-11. 2.28

ROY
Merv Rettunmend (Balt). .300. 26. 75
Tom griffin (hou) 20-8 2.64

Milestones met
Jim Bunning (Pitt) 2500 k and 200 wins
Don drysdale (LAN) 2500 k
Bob Gibson (sl) 2000 k

Harmon Killebrew (minn) 400 hr
Orlando Cepeda (atl) 300 hr
Willie McCovey (sf) 300 hr

Roberto Clemente (Pitt) 2500 hits
Luis Aparicio (cws) 2000 hits

Of note, Mr Cub was let go and picked up by the phillies, who sent him to aaa, he is stuck on 2458 hits and 486 homers

The inaugural season of the royals was pretty poor, as is expected of most expansion teams. We finished with a record of 68-94

Here is the list of players that started the most games at rather particular position, if they were not an actual member of the 69 royals I will indicate how I received them. Also, any stats following a player indicates he led the team in that category.

C Tim mcCarver. Waivers from slouis
1b mike fiore 130 bb. 110 k
2b bill mazeroski waivers from Pitt
3b joe foy
SS Maury wills 28 sb, from mont. for Paul schaal
Of Lou piniella .291 154h, 29 doubles
Of bob Oliver 32 hr, 91 RBI
Of Ed Kirkpatrick

Sp Wally bunker 12-18. 12cg
Sp dick drago
Sp roger Nelson. 3.78 era
Sp bill butler
Sp Carl Morton from mont in wills deal
Rp moe drabowsky 14s

Went with 5 man rotation as a means to try out more starters over thes first few seasons, all other teams are set to era specific management.

After the season acquired richie Hebner from Pitt for Jim rooker
Also picked up Amos Otis from nym for Ed Kirkpatrick

Btw, Ron Bloomberg will not be the first ever dh, as his career ended in 69 with a fractured ankle.

1970 year in review
 

Well we have just wrapped up the playoffs and the Minnesota Twins have captured the World Championship.

After finishing off the Baltimore Orioles the Twins went on to defeat the Houston Astros 4 games to 2. The Astros had previously swept the New York Mets.

Standings
AL East
Baltimore 107-55
Yankees 88-74
Tigers 88-74
Senators 83-79
Indians 71-91
BoSox 70-92

AL West
Twins 95-67
Royals 82-80
ChiSox 80-82
Angels 78-84
A's 77-85
Brewers 53-109

NL East
Mets 104-58
Pirates 84-78
Phillies 80-82
Cubs 76-86
Expos 75-87
Cardinals 73-89

NL West
Astros 94-68
Giants 92-70
Reds 88-74
Dodgers 82-80
Braves 68-94
Padres 56-106

Season accomplishments
Once again there were double digit 20 game winners with 11, The Orioles again had 3 (Palmer, Cuellar and McNally) while the Mets also had 3 (Seaver, Koosman and Jim McAndrew)

MVP honors
AL Jim Palmer (Bal) 24-9 2.00 era 7 shutouts 18 cg's
NL Willie McCovey (SF) .303 42 HR and 127 rbi (back to back winner)

Cy Young
AL Jim Palmer (Bal) see above
NL Jim McAndrew (NYM) 24-6 2.32 era 5 shutouts 15 cg

ROY
AL Roy Foster (Clev) .289 36hr 102 rbi
NL Ken Singleton (NYM) .310 20 hr 71 rbi

Milestones met
3000 hits-Hank Aaron (ATL)
2500 hits-Al Kaline (Det)
2000 hits-Vada Pinson (MIL)
600 HR-Willie Mays (SF)
300 HR-Norm Cash (Det)
Frank Howard (Wash)
200 W- Juan Marichal (SF)

Tony Perez had the seasons longest hitting streak at 29 games
Sam McDowell (Clev) and Bert Blyleven (Minn) both had 15k games
On a sad note Blyleven suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to retire after this, his, rookie campaign he went 16-7 2.73 era

1970 leaders
 

AL-Rod Carew (Minn) 222 hits, 45 2b and a .380 avg
NL- Billy Williams (CHC) .337 avg
Bobby Tolan (CIN) 212 hits
Pete Rose (CIN) 41 2b

AL- Bill Melton (CHW) 44HR, 131 rbi
NL-Tony Perez (CIN) 45 HR
Willie McCovey (SF) 127 rbi

AL Bert Campaneris (OAK) 73 sb
NL-Joe Morgan (HOU) 57 sb

AL- Dave McNally (Balt) 27-10
NL-Larry Dierker (HOU) 24-7

AL-Jim Palmer (Balt) 2.00 era
Sam McDowell (Clev) 286k
NL-Tom Seaver (NYM) 2.22 era, 251k

Marty Pattin (MIL) went 9-26 and Steve Carlton (SL) was 10-23

1970 Royals
 

Here is a look at the most common lineup used by manager Joe Gordon
The team finished at 82-80

C-Tim McCarver
1B-Mike Fiore 93bb
2B-Mazeroski
3B-Richie Hebner.313 avg
SS-Maury Wills 35sb, 26 doubles
OF-Lou Piniella 88 rbi, 174 hits
OF-Amos Otis 17HR
OF-Joe Keough

SP-Dick Drago 16-10 2.68 era
SP-Wally Bunker
SP-Paul Splittorff
SP-Roger Nelson
SP-Carl Morton
RP Moe Drabowsky 17s

Bob Oliver barely cleared the mendoza line at .209 and led the team with 79k

Reserve clause era will remain in effect until I enter the preseason of 1976, if anyone knows why I should begin the FA era any sooner I am open to suggestions

Rough start
 

Well ownership has given me an expectation of at least .500 ball

Annual Sporting News preseason publication gave me the lofty 64-98 record to live up to. Somebody is going to be way off, I just hope it is the Sporting News, because they do not sign my paycheck.

And, to make matters worse we have lost the following regulars

1B Mike Fiore
3B Rich Hebner
OF Pat Kelly for 5 weeks
OF Lou Piniella for 2 Months

btw Sporting News looking good we are 1-4

In a move of perhaps desperation the Royals have added some "leadership" to their club, or at least, some seniority

They shipped Chuck Harrison and Dave Wickersham to the Phillies for Ernie Banks and George Brunet. We certainly got older, but, saved a little bit of coin. Banks will be playing first with Fiore out, freeing up Oliver to help in the much maligned OF.

We also now have 3 veterans to come check out on their milestone marches

Bill Mazeroski- 17 hits away from 2000

Maury Wills-66 hits away from 2000
22 SB from 600

Ernie Banks-38 hits away from 2500
14 HR from 500


On another note the Say Hey Kid got hit # 3000

How is your team doing?

Quick reply
 

Sorry for very little info, more to come soon

However, we now sit at 11-13 on May 1, after just taking 2 at home from the Orioles

update as of 5/01/71
 

Leaders by division
AL East
Orioles (however all 6 teams are within 2.5 gms)
AL West
White Sox
Royals last place 3.5 back

NL East
Pirates up 4.5 on 2nd place Mets
NL West
Astros are on fire 20-5, 6gm lead over Giants

AL leaders
Avg
Manny Mota(Clev) .429
Joe Foy .370
HR
Reggie Jackson (Oak) 10
RBI
Amos Otis 22
SB
Sandy Alomar Sr (CWS) 8

Wins
Stan Bahnsen (NYY) 5
ERA
Stan Bahnsen (NYY) 0.23
K
Vida Blue (Oak) 45

NL Leaders
Avg
Ken Boswell (NYN) .371
HR
Bob Bailey (HOU) 6
John Mayberry (HOU) 6
Willie Mays (SF) 6
RBI
Earl Williams (Atl) 21
SB
Cesar Cedeno (Hou) 12
Joe Morgan (Hou) 12

Wins
Ken Forsch (Hou) 5
ERA
Gary Gentry (NYN) 1.00
K
Fergie Jenkins (CHN) 50

Not too difficult to see why the Astros are out in front, lots of early league leaders.

As for the Royals well we have won 2 in a row, just got Hebner and Fiore back from injury. As you could see Foy filled in great in Hebners absence, AO has been great from the start, in fact he garnered AL hitter of the month for April.
On the bump, Paul Splittorff and Dick Drago have been great as for the rest, so so to say the best.

Mazeroski reaches plateau
 

In a 3-1 victory by the Royals over the Orioles, Bill Mazeroski reached the 2000 hit plateau. Maz went 1-4 as the Royals completed their second straight sweep of the talented Orioles. In fact the club has won 8 while only losing 2 in the month of May.

Orlando Cepeda (Atl) also collected #2000
Sam McDowell (Clev) got his 2000th K

6/1/71 update
 

Well here we go

AL East
Orioles have built a 3.5 game lead over Detroit
O's lose Frank Robinson for 5 weeks


AL West
White Sox continue to impress, maintain a 3.5 game leave over the potent A's
Royals 8 GB, 22-28

NL East
Mets and Cardinals tied, Pirates only 1.5 back

NL West
Astros (40-12) running away from Giants up 10 games

AL Leaders
avg
Ron Fairly (Clev) .385
Joe Foy (KC) .350
HR
REG-GIE (Oak) 15
Amos Otis (KC) 6
rbi
Bill Melton (CWS) 38
Amos Otis (KC) 34
SB
Sandy Alomar Jr (CWS) 16
Campy Campaneris (OAK) 14
Maury Wills (KC) 8

Wins
Pat Dobson (DET) 8
Dick Drago (KC) 5
ERA
Bill Gogolewski (Wash) 1.59
Dick Drago (KC) 2.02
K
Vida Blue (OAK) 87
Roger Nelson (KC) 49

NL Leaders
avg
Wes Parker (LAN) .335
HR
Dick Allen (PHIL) 17
RBI
Earl Williams (ATL) 48
SB
Joe Morgan (HOU) 24

Wins
Jack Billingham (HOU) 10
ERA
Jack Billingham (HOU) 1.44
K
Fergie Jenkins (CHC) 101

Ernie Banks has performed fairly well, however, he just went on the DL, he was hitting .233 with 3 HR and 24 RBI

Milestones
In addition to Mazeroski, Brooks Robinson has now joined the 2000 hit club

Gordon Out, Smith In
 

Joe Gordon, has been released as the manager of the KC Royals. To date, he is the only manager the team has known. He was 181-214 in his 2 plus seasons, not too bad for an expansion manager, but the recent "dry spell" of the offense, having lost 4 of 5, left management with no other choice.

The team has given Will Smith, a relative unknown, the remainder of the season to prove whether or not he is worthy to take over the reins of this young club

7/1/71 update
 

Smith has really shaken things up, the Royals are 4-3 and winners of 4 of the last 5 under his watch.

AL East
Orioles have a 2 game lead over the pesky Senators

AL West
White Sox maintain a 7gm lead over the A's
Royals sit in 5th 13.5 back

NL East
Cardinals lead the Mets by 2.5

NL West
Astros (56-23) all but wrapped up the west, 9.5 up on the Giants

Leaders
Avg
Ron Fairly (Clev) .353 Bob Watson (HOU) .336
Amos Otis .324
HR
REG-GIE (OAK) 22 Dick Allen (PHIL) 17
Richie Hebner 9
RBI
Bill Melton (CHW) 62 Earl Williams (ATL) 70
Amos Otis 49
SB
Sandy Alomar Sr (CHW) 29 Joe Morgan (HOU) 26
Amos Otis 13

Wins
Bill Gogolewski (WSN) 12 Jack Billingham (HOU) 12
Fritz Peterson (NYA) 12
Paul Splittorff 7
ERA
Bill Gogolewski (WSN) 1.50 Steve Carlton (SLN) 1.88
Paul Splittorff 2.79
K's
Vida Blue (OAK) 125 Tom Seaver (NYN) 143
Joe Coleman (WSN) 125
Paul Splittorff 75

Dick Drago and Lou Piniella have landed back on the DL, Piniella has only managed 24 ab on the season, and Drago had been one of the better starters in the AL.

Juan Marichal (SF) recorded his 2000 strikeout
The Braves have sent Orlando Cepeda to the A's, as Charlie Finley attempts to catch the red hot White Sox

Taking a small break
 

In Haiti for a few days, sorry no updates for 10-12 days

Thanks for the storyline. I've started in 1969. I'm playing with the Seattle Pilots.

I play out each game and I did not think of siming the league like you are doing.

My dad covered the Seattle Pilots for the Seattle Times. (for part of the season). He's got some great stories from that year and team. Of course I am also rereading Ball Four.

With your interest in baseball of that era, have you read The Team that Changed Baseball? http://www.amazon.com/The-Team-That-.../dp/1594160309

Great book.

I have not, I will have to check that out, and thanks for checking out my Royals thread

8/1/71 update
 

Well the trading deadline has now passed without a whole lot of movement, and none at all by the Royals
The club sets at 52-56 in 4th place

AL East
Baltimore has a 10.5 gm lead on the Senators

AL West
White Sox continue to hold off the Twins with a 4gm lead

NL East
St Louis holds a 4gm lead over the Pirates

NL West
Astros still the talk of baseball at 73-35, Giants 13 back

Leaders
Avg
Amos Otis (KC) .326 Dave Cash (Pitt) .339

HR
REG-GIE (Oak) 29 Lee May (Cin) 25
Hebner (KC) 15

RBI
Bill Melton (CHW) 82 Earl Williams (ATL) 84
Amos Otis (KC) 72

SB
Campy Campaneris (Oak) 37 Joe Morgan (HOU) 36
Amos Otis, Maury Wills (KC) 23

Wins
John Curtis (Bos), Fritz Peterson (NYY) 16 Bill Stoneman (MON) Jack Billingham (HOU) 16
Paul Splittorff (KC) 9

ERA
Bill Gogolewski (Was) 1.94 Nolan Ryan (NYN) 1.88
Roger Nelson (KC) 3.10

K
Sam McDowell (Cle) 182 Tom Seaver (NYN) 189
Roger Nelson (KC) 102

Dick Drago and Lou Piniella are back off of the DL, Moe Drabowsky, the teams all-time saves leader was released. Interim manager Will Smith has been given complete control of the lineup and the staff, a privilege Joe Gordon was not granted. Perhaps this will serve as a lesson to GM Lasher, not to meddle too much.
Roger Nelson SP, Richie Hebner 3B and Amos Otis CF, represented the Royals in the AS Game

Around the league
1970 ROY Ken Singleton has been lost for 4 months with a broken leg
the Mets have also lost Nolan Ryan for 10 months with a stretched elbow ligament

Jim Lonborg (BOS) and George Stone (ATL) each threw no-hitters

Maury Wills got hit # 2000
Billy Williams hit HR # 300

Ernie Banks needs only 2 hits to reach the 2500 plateau

Banks gets 2500
 

In the bottom of the 9th, Ernie Banks laced a one hopper off of the glove of Bert Campaneris. The milestone came off of Rollie Fingers at Municipal Stadium in downtown Kansas City

9/1/71 update
 

The Royals have climbed to 68-68, which has met the goal of ownership, what the next month brings will go a long way to determine the future of manager Will Smith.

AL East
Orioles (83-53) 12 gm lead over Detroit

AL West
White Sox (78-56) 8.5 gm lead on the Twins

NL East
Pirates (81-57) 2gm lead over the Cardinals

NL West
Astros (82-54) 10 gm lead over the Giants

Astros go 10-18 in August, while the Orioles go 17-10 to take over best record

Leaders
Avg
Carlos May (CWS) .335 Ken Boswell (NYN) .333
Amos Otis .318

HR
REG-GIE (OAK) 36 Lee May (CIN) 33
Richie Hebner 18

RBI
Bill Melton (CWS) 101 Earl Williams (ATL) 100
Amos Otis 87

SB
Campy Campaneris (OAK) 44 Joe Morgan (HOU) 47
Amos Otis 28

W
John Curtis (BOS) 21 Jack Fischer (CIN) 20
Paul Splittorff 11

ERA
Bill Gogolewski (WSN) 2.08 Tom Seaver (NYN) 2.07
Dick Drago 2.56

K
Vida Blue (Oak), Sam McDowell (CLEV) 212 Tom Seaver (NYN) 237
Roger Nelson 126

The Twins have lost Tony Oliva for 6months with a torn labrum
Dave McNally has reached the 20 win plateau for the 4th straight season
teammate Jim Palmer will need 4 more wins to join the elite group for the 3rd straight season

Will Smith is 37-28 since taking over for Gordon, and being left alone by the front office.

pennant update
 

The Orioles and the Astros have clinched their respective divisions

Don't look now, but the Royals are within 5 of the White Sox, in the NL East the
Pirates have extended their lead to 4.5 over St Louis

Each team has about 10 games left to play

Pilots
 

I am playing through with the Pilots. But I'm doing everything and it will take me months to get through a season or two.

I am thinking of starting a GM Mode only with 1969 and playing with the Pilots.

I assume that is what you are doing (although with the Royals).

Do you play a day at a time or longer?

I'm thinking setting things up and then paying a week at a time. Then I can look at the highlights and news stories from each week. Write an update on that week and make any gm level adjustments. I suppose the hardest part will be to not try to meddle in too many of the manager's decisions.

I play about 75% of the games in 1 pitch mode, since hiring Will Smith, I allow him to set all of the lineups and rotations. However, in game I make the decisions as far as bullpen and substitutions. I do make all of the GM decisions myself.
As far as games played, I play about 5-10 games a day. I can play a game in about 5-10 minutes. Play most games when I get out of bed while waiting on my boys to get ready for school.

Pennant Race
 

Pirates have clinched

Royals are still 5 back with 6 to play, Splittorff has been lost for the season with an ankle injury

Ron Santo cracked HR # 300 and the broken leg that ended Ken Singletons season, has now cost him his career. :(

Stay tuned, will post as I get closer to division crown or elimination

Ah, it would save a bunch of time to have the manager set the lineups and rotations.

So you are handling all the moves between your minor league teams?

White Sox clinch
 

The Royals have dropped 3 in a row, as have the Sox. However, we have run out of games to get it done.
Congratulations to the White Sox as they will move on to face the Orioles while in the NL the Pirates will face-off against the Astros



I DO make the minor league moves, but, I do not have a draft, instead rookies enter as they did in real life, so I do not have a lot of players in the minors at this time, so not a whole lot of moves. Also, no FA at this time not until 1974 I believe.

1971 season in review
 

The Pittsburgh Pirates have defeated the Baltimore Orioles in 5 games to win the WS

Final Standings
AL East
Orioles 100-62
Yanks 85-77
Senators 83-79
Tigers 82-80
Red Sox 72-90
Indians 71-91

AL West
White Sox 91-71
Royals 85-77
Twins 82-80
A's 80-82
Angels 80-82
Brewers 61-101

NL East
Pirates 100-62
Cardinals 92-70
Mets 84-78
Cubs 79-83
Expos 77-85
Phillies 63-99

NL West
Astros 92-70
Reds 86-76
Giants 83-79
Dodgers 81-81
Braves 76-86
Padres 59-103

League Leaders
Avg
Ron Fairly (CLE) .328 Ralph Garr (ATL) .343
Carlos May (CHW) .325 Ken Boswell (NYN) .324

Hits
Amos Otis (KC) 197 Cito Gaston (SD) 188

Doubles
Mickey Rivers (CAL) 38 Tony Perez (CIN) 35

HR
REG-GIE (OAK) 39 Bob Robertson (PITT) 35
Frank Howard (WSN) 38 Dick Allen (PHIL) 32

RBI
Bill Melton (CHW) 119 Bob Robertson (PITT) 113
Amos Otis (KC) 112 Earl Williams (ATL) 113

SB
Sandy Alomar Sr (CWS) 53 Joe Morgan (HOU) 53
Campy Campaneris (OAK) 47 Cesar Cedeno (HOU 47

W
John Curtis (BOS) 23 Jack Fisher (CIN) 23
Fritz Peterson (NYY) 23 Reggie Cleveland (SL) 22

ERA
Bill Gogolewski (WSN) 2.05 Tom Seaver (NYN) 2.26
Jim Palmer (BALT) 2.06 Steve Carlton (SL) 2.51

K
Vida Blue (OAK) 250 Tom Seaver (NYN) 289
Sam McDowell (CLE) 250 Fergie Jenkins (CHN) 244

awards and a Royals review coming soon

Awards
 

Cy Young
Dave McNally (BAL) 22-9 2.33 era
Tom Seaver (NYN) 21-12 2.26 era

ROY
John Curtis (BOS) 23-12 2.97 era
Greg Luzinski (PHI) .272 15HR 59 RBI

MVP
Bill Melton (CHW) .253 33HR 119 RBI
Bob Robertson (PIT) .292 35HR 113 RBI

Al Kaline (DET) had the leagues longest hitting streak at 23

There were a lot of 20 gm winners, 15 to be exact
Dave McNally for the 4th straight year
Jim Palmer and Fritz Peterson for the 3rd straight year
Tom Seaver for the 2nd straight year

1971 Royals leaders
 

Most commonly used lineup, Royals finished 85-77
Joe Gordon (31-40) Will Smith (54-37)

C-Tim McCarver
1B- Mike Fiore
2B-Bill Mazeroski
SS-Maury Wills
3B-Richie Hebner .315, 24 HR
OF-Lou Piniella
OF-Amos Otis .315, 197 hits, 34 2B, 13 3B, 112 RBI, 34 SB
OF-Pat Kelly 34 SB

Bob Oliver 103 K, Joe Foy 75 BB

SP-Roger Nelson 14-11 3.03 ERA
SP-Paul Splittorff 13-15 3.47 ERA
SP-Dick Drago 16-8 2.15 ERA
SP-Carl Morton 10-8 4.20 ERA
SP-Wally Bunker 6-11 4.63 ERA

RP-Monty Montgomery 15 S 1.91 ERA

Go Royals!

Well the Royals were presented with an opportunity to upgrade at 1st base, however it would cost them a few young players.

Charlie O Finley and his A's were looking to cut some salary, they had picked up Orlando Cepeda at the trade deadline in an attempt to chase down the White Sox. Well that did not work out, and with a wonderful group of up and coming young players it was time for them to part ways.

In a 6 player deal the Royals sent

Ernie Banks, Jerry Cram, Jim Wohlford and Bill Butler
to Oakland for
Orlando Cepeda and Larry Gura

Cram is a highly regarded arm young arm in the pen, whereas Butler had been an important swingman between the pen and the rotation over the past 2 seasons, Wohlford is a rookie LFer and Banks, who is headed to Cooperstown, will continue his farewell tour around the league. Cepeda can hopefully be a nice complement to Hebner and Otis in the middle of the Royals lineup, and Gura hopes to find his way to the rotation in the coming years.

Thank you for your support Rocknfire

Interesting, good stuff... I'm curious to see how your '75-'80 Royals compare to RL, but that's a ways off... Unsolicited advice: If you happen to draft/acquire a kid named George Brett, you might want to hang on to him ;-)

Sound advice

Would also like to manage to acquire Hal McRae

New ballpark
 

The Washington Senators are no more

In the offseason the club was moved to Arlington, TX, with that comes the newest ballpark in the majors, Arlington Stadium. It is a renovated minor league park that pales in comparison to some of the current complexes being built. Either way the folks in the metroplex are excited and will welcome the Royals to town for a 4 game series to open the season.

Last seasons young closer Monty Montgomery remains on the DL with a rotator cuff strain, he will hopefully be going the club in a few weeks.

Expectations are running high in KC, as they come off a 85 win season, a season that saw the attendance exceed 1m for the first time in team history. The Royals are in the midst of building their own stadium, to be called Royals Stadium, it is set to open in April of 1973.

1972 Top Prospects
 

Mike Schmidt-3B Phillies
Rick Reuschel-MR Cubs
Dwight Evans-RF Red Sox
Dave Goltz-SP Twins
Steve Busby-SP Royals
Gary Matthews Sr-LF Giants
Lynn McGlothen-SP Red Sox
Gary Ryerson-SP Brewers
Johnny Grubb-CF Padres
Dick Tidrow-SP Indians

Just thought you might find it interesting to recap where many of these guys once started

5/01/72 update
 

Royals are red hot, posting their hottest start yet, at 16-7
However, Richie Hebner was just lost for 3 weeks after spraining his thumb sliding into 2nd.
Paul Splittorff also left his last start early and is being evaluated, he is considered day-to-day.

AL East
Tigers 12-7

AL West
Royals 16-7

NL East
Phillies 15-6

NL West
Dodgers 16-6

AVG
Wes Parker (Oak) .408 Al Oliver (PITT) .458
Richie Hebner (KC) .347

HR
Boog Powell (BALT) 7 Bobby Bonds (SF) 7
Richie Hebner (KC) 2

RBI
Richie Hebner (KC) 19 Bobby Bonds (SF) 22

SB
Amos Otis (KC) 11 Joe Morgan (HOU) 12

W
Mickey Lolich (DET) 5 Dock Ellis (PITT) 4
Dick Drago (KC) 4

ERA
Mike Cuellar (BALT) 1.07 Steve Blass (PITT) 1.35
Paul Splittorff (KC) 1.58

K
Joe Coleman (TEX) 36 Tom Seaver (NYN) 42
Steve Busby (KC) 26

Billy Williams (CHC) has joined the 2000 hit club
Dave Cash (PITT) has a 27 game hitting streak

Splittorff has been lost for 8 weeks with tightness in his left shoulder, it is thought to be scar tissue leftover from last seasons injury

Dave Cash saw his hit streak end at 28 games

Devastating
 

Just as the Royals welcomed back Richie Hebner, Amos Otis has been lost for 6 months with a torn labrum

Also, in my attempts to find a suitable replacement, which there are none, I noticed that Hank Aaron was forced to retire with a career ending injury. The Hammer finished with 597 career HR

05/01/72
 

This should be titled 6/1/72, sorry
Wow, no Splittorff or Otis, this could make for a long year. For now, we remain in contention, will be kind of hard to judge manager Will Smith, if he has no great talent available.

AL East
Yankees maintain a 2gm lead over the Tigers and Indians

AL West
A's with a .5gm lead over KC and 1gm over the White Sox

NL East
Pirates 1.5gm lead over the Mets

NL West
Dodgers hold 1.5gm lead over the Giants

AVG
Wes Parker (OAK) .349 Al Oliver (PITT) .376
Pat Kelly (KC) .281

HR
REG-GIE (OAK) 12 Bobby Bonds (SF) 13
Bob Oliver (KC) 5

RBI
Carlos May (CHW) 33 Bobby Bonds (SF) 38
Bob Oliver (KC) 27

SB
Sandy Alomar Sr (CHW) 18 Joe Morgan (HOU) 27
Pat Kelly (KC) 16

W
Doc Medich (NYA) 9 Tom Seaver (NYN) 8
Dick Drago (KC) 7

ERA
Lynn McGlothen (BOS) 1.46 Tom Seaver (NYN) 1.62
Dick Drago (KC) 2.38

K
Vida Blue (OAK) 77 Tom Seaver (NYN) 100
Dick Drago (KC) 58

Tom Seaver is the early pacesetter for a pitching triple crown, can he maintain it?
Bill Hands (CHC) twirls a no hitter at the hated Cardinals
Dick Tidrow (CLEV) and Jerry Reuss (SL) are both lost for the season

Frank Robinson (BALT) collected hit # 2500

injury bug update
 

Paul Splittorff is due back in a week or two, this should provide a lift in the rotation. A rotation that has held up pretty strong in the Royals recent offensive ineptitude. They just broke out of a 31 inning scoreless drought to beat the Twins in the 10th. The two shutouts in the middle of the streak were at the hands of the Yankees, Doc Medich and Luis Tiant.

Joe Foy has been lost for 4 months, which forces Mazeroski into a daily job. Rich Severson has played fairly well and displayed enough better range than Maury Wills that manager Smith now has him inserted as the everyday SS.

The Royals were able to pick up Jesus Alou off of the minor league scrap heap in Houston, the move cost them Fred Lasher as well as young backstop Ellie Rodriguez.

With all of these injuries it would seem to be a miracle for the Royals to stay around .500

Favorite team or player???
 

If any of you that are following this would like any updates on a favorite team or player, just let me know. I do not have the time to allow it to "overrun" what I am doing, but, if it would make things more interesting for you I can give it a try

Looks like 1972 is shaping up to be THE YEAR OF DICK DRAGO ;-)

When you have time, how are some Dodgers - such as Willie Davis, Tommy Davis, Don Sutton, Claude Osteen - doing? Will probably ask about Garvey-Lopes-Russell-Cey later, after your sim has progressed a few years.

7/1/72 update
 

Well I will try not to whine too much about the injury bug that has afflicted this years Royals club.

AL East
Yankees up by 6 gms over the Tigers and the Red Sox

AL West
Athletics up .5 gm over the White Sox, 3.5 ahead of the Twins and Royals

NL East
Mets .5 gm lead over the Pirates

NL West
Dodger (52-26) 7.5 gm lead over the Giants, Dodgers have best record in baseball

Avg
Tommy Hutton (NYA) .338 Al Oliver (PITT) .364
Joe Keough .270

HR
R Jackson (OAK) 19 Bobby Bonds (SF) 17
Richie Hebner 6 Rick Monday (LA) 17

RBI
R Jackson (OAK) 51 Bobby Bonds (SF) 54
Richie Hebner 38

SB
B Campaneris (OAK) 28 Joe Morgan (HOU) 34
Pat Kelly 17

W
J Lonborg (BOS), D Medich (NYA) 12 Tom Seaver (NYN) 12
Dick Drago 8

ERA
Lynn McGlothen (BOS) 1.49 Tom Seaver (NYN) 1.97
Dick Drago 2.45

K
Vida Blue (OAK) 115 Tom Seaver (NYN) 156
Dick Drago 79

Willie Mays was lost for 5 weeks with a broken hand, it occurred when he punched a fire extinguisher after a frustrating loss, just kidding Knicks fans

Don Sutton (LA) 11-6 2.06 ERA
Claude Osteen (LA) 2-0 4.91 ERA in 17 appearances
Willie Davis (LA) hitting .315 in only 89 AB's, loss of playing time to Rick Monday
Tommy Davis (NYA) .251 in 161 AB's after coming over from the Brewers

So I take it you have players importing to their original teams but the AI can trade them... How did Rick Monday end up on the Dodgers in '72? Who were the players involved in that trade?

In July of 71, just prior to the trade deadline he was dealt to LA in exchange for Wes Parker, who is currently battling for the AL hitting crown.

Yes, they are starting with the original teams, you are correct, and AI from there. I have trades set to difficult and reserve era clause, FA to begin prior to 1976

8/1/71 update
 

Dick Drago, Roger Nelson and Richie Hebner are all selected to the AS Game.

Frank Robinson has clobbered his 500th HR

The Royals closeout July with a 53-52 record trailing the A's by 4 games, however, they are headed to Oakland for a brief 2 game set.

AL East
Yankees (67-39), mlb best lead the Tigers by 5, Red Sox by 6

AL West
A's lead KC by 4, Twins by 8.5

NL East
Mets lead the Pirates by 10

NL West
Dodger with a 7 game lead over the Giants, 7.5 over the Reds

AVG
Tommy Hutton (NYY) .351 Ralph Garr (ATL) .333
Richie hebner .318

HR
Norm Cash (DET) 25 Bobby Bonds (SF) 24
Richie Hebner 11

RBI
Sal Bando, Reggie Jackson (OAK) 64 John Mayberry (HOU) 71
Richie Hebner 56

SB
S Alomar (CHW), Campaneris (OAK) 35 Joe Morgan (HOU) 45
Pat Kelly 27

W
Sonny Siebert (CLEV) 17 Jon Matlack (NYN) 16
Dick Drago 12

ERA
Lynn McGlothen (BOS) 1.34 Tom Seaver (NYN) 1.78
Dick Drago 2.26

K
Vida Blue (OAK) 157 Tom Seaver (NYN) 206
Steve Busby 111

Several pitchers (5) have 15 wins or more, be interesting to see if anyone can reach 30. Also, how many of our many repeat 20 game winners will return to that form.
Al Oliver (PITT) was lost for the season with an arm injury
Tommy John (CHW), interestingly enough, was lost for the season with an elbow injury
Last seasons AL MVP, Bill melton was dealt to the Pirates after a postgame tirade. In which he spoke very poorly of White Sox ownership and management.
In return the Pirates send over Bruce Dal Canton

Injury nails the youngsters
 

Mike Schmidt (PHI) lost for 6 weeks
Don Baylor (BAL) lost for 8 months
Buddy Bell (CLEV) lost for 10 months

meanwhile the Royals have realized that they have been playing over their heads, reality has set in and they are now 3-12 in August. Will Smith has indicated he may not be interested in returning, stating "the stress is more than I could have imagined".

Ownership and upper management did not indicate what plans they may have for the managerial position.

9/1/71 update
 

Well management has spoken. Will Smith has been given the month of September to prove himself, granted the lineup is greatly decimated by injuries, but the lackluster efforts of giving up early leads, losing 1 run and extra inning games is not acceptable.

Ron Santo (CHC) gets hit #2000
Ralph Garr (ATL) lost for the season, Garr was last years leader in avg, and is currently leading by a large margin, the shortage of ab's will probably cost him a second title
Vida Blue (OAK) out for season with a torn meniscus

AL East
Yankees 83-52
Red Sox -3

AL West
A's 71-61
Twins -8.5
Royals -9

NL East
Mets 80-50
Cubs -8

NL West
Dodgers 78-53
Giants -4.5

will keep an eye on the pennant races, will update if races get tight

AVG
Tommy Hutton (NYA) .338 Ralph Garr (ATL) .338
Richie Hebner .303

HR
Norm Cash (DET) 32 Bobby Bonds (SF) 30
Richie Hebner 16

RBI
Sal Bando (OAK) 79 John Mayberry (HOU) 87
Richie Hebner 66

SB
Campaneris (OAK) 42 Joe Morgan (HOU) 60
Pat Kelly 36

W
Doc Medich (NYA) 22 Jon Matlack (NYN) 17
Dick Drago 13

ERA
Lynn McGlothen (BOS) 1.58 Larry Dierker (HOU) 2.10
Dick Drago 2.44

K
Andy Messersmith (CAL) 197 Tom Seaver (NYN) 253
Steve Busby 150

The wins pace of the starters has slowed greatly with only 6 at 17 or more

Don Sutton is now 16-13 2.44 era
Claude Osteen is 2-1 with 5s and a 4.15 era

Willie Davis is hitting .277 6hr 29rbi
Rick Monday .287 24hr 53rbi
Tommy Davis .273 3hr 22rbi, but with a good chance at getting a ring, however the Dodgers have an equally good chance.

of note
 

Nolan Ryan, Jon Matlack and Tom Seaver all have ERA's below 2.40

Joe Morgan MVP frontrunner .297 19hr 70rbi 60sb 95r

Doc Medich CY Young leader 2.03era 22-6 1.01 whip

Pete Rose on pace to eclipse 150 hits for 8th straight season

Reggie Jackson to surpass 30 hr for 4th straight season

Dave McNally with 17 wins looking for 5 straight 20 win seasons
Jim Palmer with 14 chasing 4 straight
Fritz Peterson moved to bullpen, to make room for Doc Medich, Peterson has only 1 start
Tom Seaver 16 wins loooking for 3 straight years
will tracke those looking for 2 straight and report at seasons end