[Brad K]

November 15 1967

SP Bob Gibson 32 yo 4.5 stars agreed to extension for 1969-74 $2.4m/6 yr $403k AAV. 1971-72 are $430k each, others are $390k each, last year is players option.

Danny Cater age 27 2.5 stars really can only play 1B now. His ratings at 2B and 3B are below acceptable. He's a good base hit pinch hitter and defensive sub at first but I'll probably trade him during spring training.

Freddie Patek is in AAA and looks set to step up to MLB as the first or second IF off the bench. He has acceptable or better ratings at 2B 3B and SS. The spare IFs would be Patek, Bob Oliver (who played 2B in the World Series due to Mazeroski's injury), and good field no hit Bobby Wind.

It troubles me that I have two reserve OF, Matty Alou and Curt Flood, who would be starting on many teams. I think I need to keep Flood because Mays defensive ability could crash at any time (he's 36 yo) and trade Alou. Flood is being paid like a star starter, Alou is paid like a backup. But Alou and Flood were a potent PH combo last year. Alou hit .370 and Flood hit .320.

Years ago I started playing Clemente CF in spring training, so long ago it was for him to replace Bill Virdon if Virdon's defense faltered. I've played Clemente in CF in spring training ever since. He's currently rated 12 in CF with a 17 potential. Yea, I worry a bit about CF.

I'd like a 3.5 star SP. There are 8 in baseball. Can't pry a single one loose. I understand with the young ones making minimum wage or close to it. But there are only two true veterans, Marichal and Perry, and the Giants have no glaring weaknesses so they're not going to trade them.