The Philadelphia Mud Hens of the Shoeless Joe League (SJL) believe they have solidified the middle of their infield by signing free agent Mineto Kato out of Japan to play shortstop. Kato joins Taiwanese second baseman Xiao Mei-Mah, who has emerged as one of the finest players in the WPK these past two seasons.
With the earlier signing of slugging first baseman Luis Gonzales joining an already potent lineup the real question mark for the Mud Hens, who finished in 8th place (out of 12) in 1976 with a disappointing 78-84 record, is whether their talented but often injured starting rotation can stay healthy and allow them to contend in 1977.