[luckymann]

Anyone who doubts that heart, application and astute management can at least partly make up for a relative shortage of raw talent need only look at what the Grays have achieved during their EL existence to this point, with two playoff appearances including one in the EL World Series.

Despite their third-from-last pick in the Draft, they have done quite nicely with catcher Sam Greene and pitcher Louis Dula, and Jimmie Lyons should also play a part down the track as a backup outfielder. Pitching is clearly their strength, but they have some real gamers among their position players who seem to just go and get it done, day in and day out. I see no reason why this won't happen again in 1971.

Given my belief there'll be a blanket finish for the three middle spots in the WC American, I view them as virtually interchangeable. This side should fill one of them.

2nd in the WC National.