WCF Thunder

[Windy City Fan]

Team: Thunder
Owner: Craig "Windy City" Ashley
Home Park: Oakland Coliseum
Manager: Billy Martin
First Base Coach:
Third Base Coach:
Bench Coach: Ernie Banks
Pitching Coach: Lee Stange
Bullpen Coach: Hank Aguire

Rotation:

SP Ron Bryant (FA 73, 2.0 Million)
SP Jim Colborn (69 Draft, 750K)
SP Alan Foster (FA 73, 4.75 Million)
SP Claude Osteen (FA 73, 4.75 Million)
SP Dick Tidrow (72 Draft, 500K)

Bullpen:
RP Bill Gogolewski (FA 73, 250K)
RP Tom Timmerman (FA 73, 500K)
RP Don McMahon (FA 71 to 73, 750K)
RP Bobby Lersch (69 Draft, 1.25 Million)
RP Steve Kline (FA 73, 250K)

Starting Lineup:
C Thurmon Munson (69 Draft, Franchise Player, 12 Million)
1B Jim Spencer (FA 73, 250K)
2B Pepe Frias (73 Draft, 250K)
SS Freddie Patek (68 Draft, 2.0 Million)
3B Aurelio Rodriguez (FA 73 to 75, 500K)
RF Al Oliver (68 Draft, 2.5 Million)
CF Del Usner (FA 73, 3.75 Million)
LF Willie Stargell (FA 72 to 74, 20.0 Million)
DH Bob Watson (FA 72 to 76, 14.0 Million)

Bench:
C Ellie Hendricks (FA 73 to 75, 750K)
3B Jim Ray Hart (FA 71 to 73, 250K)
IF Kurt Bevacqua (FA 73, 750K)
IF Ted Martinez (FA 73, 250K)
OF Rick Reichardt 250K FA 73

Farmhands:
DH Orlando Cepada (FA 71-73, 2.75 Million),
1B Cecil Copper (71 Draft, 250K)
SS Frank Taveras (71 Draft, 250K)
OF Johnny Jeter (FA 71 to 73, 250K)
1B Mike Hegan (FA 71 to 72, 250K)
1F Rod Gilbreath (72 Draft, 250K)
OF Ike Brown (FA 72 to 73, 500K)
1B Joe Pepitone (FA 72 to 73, 250K)
RP Dave Pagan (FA 73, 500K)
P Ray Lamb (FA 73, 250K)
P Luke Walker (FA 73, 250K)
RP Ray Newman (FA 73, 250K)
C Skip Jutze (FA 73, 250K)
C Jeff Torborg (FA 73, 250K)
OF Deron Johnson (FA 72 to 73, 250K)

79.75 for 39 players

Traded Picks:
74 2nd Round and 75 4th Round to Angels for Al Oliver http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1524083&postcount=930
74 4th Round to the Skipjacks for Joe Coleman http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=92576&page=5
75 2nd Round to Skipjacks for Freddie Patek and Bobby Lersch http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1506639&postcount=91
75 4th Round to Angels as part of the Al Oliver deal
76 4th Round to the Shoeless Joes


Aquired Picks:
74 Gamblers 2nd Round pick for Grant Jackson, Tom Grieve, and Dick Baney http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1628696&postcount=244
74 Hard Cider 3rd Round pick for Joe Coleman and Ted Sizemore http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1630012&postcount=278
74 Wranglers 4th Round pick for Pete Richert http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1630012&postcount=278
74 Dust Bunnies 5th Round pick for Reggie Smith http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1627091&postcount=202
75 Dust Bunnies 2nd Round for Reggie Smith http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1627091&postcount=202
76 Spikes 2nd round pick for Bobby Bonds http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1627921&postcount=228
76 Dust Bunnies 3rd round pick and the return of the 77 4th Round Thunder pick for Pedro Borbon http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1629884&postcount=275
76 Legends 3rd round pick for Coleman/Sizemore http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1630012&postcount=278
76 Spikes 4th round pick for Bobby Bonds http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1627921&postcount=228
77 Spikes 3rd round pick for Bobby Bonds http://baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1627921&postcount=228

[Windy City Fan]

1969: 92 - 76 (WC)
All-Stars: Denny McClain
Player of the Year: Rusty Staub
Pitcher of the Year: Denny McClain
Rookie of the Year: Dick Drago

1970: 85 - 83
All-Stars: Don Sutton
Player of the Year: Rusty Staub
Pitcher of the Year: Jim Bunning
Rookie of the Year: Thurmon Munson

1971: 96 - 72 (WC)
All-Stars: Ron Hunt, Rusty Staub
Player of the Year: Ron Hunt
Pitcher of the Year: Dick Drago
Rookie of the Year: Joe Lahoud

1972: 96 - 72
All Stars: Steve Kline, Doug Rader, Bobby Bonds
Player of the Year: Willie Stargell
Pitcher of the Year: Bob Moose
Rookie of the Year: Dick Tidrow

[Windy City Fan]

1969 Non-Tendered List
Al Kaline (61 Draft, 11.25 Million)
Chris Short (12M, 61 draft)
Bobby Bolin (2.75M, 61 draft)
Dick Ellsworth (4.50, 61 draft)

1969 Rookie Draft
1 Round: C Thurmon Munson
1 Round: P Dick Drago
4 Round: RP Jack DiLauro
5 Round: IF Sid O'Brien

1969 Free Agent Signings
LF Rusty Staub to a three year deal for $21 million a year.
SP Denny McClain to a three year deal for $8 million a year.
CF Jose Cardenal to a five year deal for $8 million a year.
RP John Gelnar to a two year deal for $5 million a year.
C Jerry Moses to a one year deal for $2 million.
RP Al Severinsen to a three year deal for 250K a year.
RP Bill Landis 250K 1 year deal
3B Max Alvis 250K one year deal
SP Bill Champion 250K one year deal
RP John Morris 250K two year deal
RP Jose Pena 250K three year deal
3B Rick Joseph 250K one year deal
IF Chico Ruiz 250K two year deal

1969 Off Season Trades
Aquired Glen Beckert and the a first round pick in the 1969 draft for my first round pick in 1971.
Aquired Don Sutton and Doug Rader for my first round pick in 1970 and a PTNL (Don Money).
Aquired Tommy Agee, Doug Stange, and the Hard Cider's 2nd round pick in 1971 for Ray Culp, Bob Humphrey's and my 2nd round pick in 1971.

[Windy City Fan]

The Thunder have come out of the gates swinging. In the expansion draft, they targeted high priced talent in Ray Culp, Bob Veale and veterans like Jim Bunning, Hank Aguire, Tim McCarver. Furthermore this augmented by trades that landed talent like Don Sutton, Doug Rader, Glen Beckert, Rich Reese in which rookie draft picks were dealt to secure quality talent.

However, the Thunder did still draft several rookies who are expected to make an immediate impact. Dick Drago will break camp as the team's 4th starter. Jack DiLauro has made the team as the lefty setup man, and Syd O'Brien versatility and decent bat won him a spot on the bench. Number one draft pick, Thurmon Munson, isn't expected to play this year, but many experts think he'll be major league ready next year and could be a major impact player.

In the free agent market, the Thunder nearly signed Cleon Jones before the Brawlers swept in the literally the last second and landed him with an exorbant offer of 14.75 million for three years. The Thunder rebounded landing right fielder Rusty Staub with a three year deal for 21 million a year. Pitching ace Denny McClain, outfielder Jose Cardanel, reliever John Gelnar, and backup catcher Jerry Moses all landed substantial contracts as well.

Despite all this, the Thunder were picked by most experts to finish in third in the tough William Hulbert Division. So Thunder pulled a stunning trade just before opening day, landing slugging centerfielder Tommie Agee for pitcher Ray Culp and reliever Bob Humphrey. Is Agee the final piece to push the Thunder into the wild card race? Or did this expansion team shoot too high, too soon? We'll start to know Opening Day.

.................................................. ......................................

Thunder Breakdown

Starting pitching: C+
Denny McClain is big league ace for sure and should enjoy great success pitching in the Colesium with this defense backing him up. The rest of the staff is dependable, but unspectacular. There is no clear cut #2 starter behind McClain. Can Bob Veale rebound from a disappointing year for the Gold Sox last year? Will Jim Bunning have a last harrah in Thunder pinstripes? Or will youngsters, Sutton and Drago blossum as hoped? Questions abound and one can only hope the Thunder have the right answers.

Bullpen: B-
The Thunder may have a bullpen by committee, but Cecil Upshaw is the undisputed chairman of that committee. He's got a rubber arm and should be solid. Gelnar is just a notch below Upshaw and will get plenty of action as well. Hank Aguire provides a solid short relief lefty and rookie Jack DiLauro looks solid as well. Lee Stange, who was aquired in the Agee deal for mainly salary cap reasons, is the long man, and he won job mostly by default.

Defense: A
The Thunder have a collection of very strong gloves and may have the best collection of leather in baseball. Up the middle they have gold glove quality in Brinkman and Beckert as the double play duo and Tommie Agee roaming in center. Doug Rader is one of the best third basemen in the game as well. McCarver is great reciever behind the plate, but his arm is merely average. Jose Cardenal is a fine glove in left, and while Staub's range is merely adaquete, he has a cannon for an arm that will give many runners reason to pause.

Offense: C-
The biggest questions for the Thunder come when they are at the plate. Staub, Reese, and Agee form a solid trio of bats in the middle of the order and DH platoon of Mike Fiore and Bubba Morton looks to be a productive combination. Rader, McCarver, and Cardenal look merely average and Brinkman and Becket are clearly in the lineup for their defense, not their bats.

Bench: C
Jerry Moses should be a nice surprise at backup catcher and will spell McCarver against lefties. Lou Piniella can play all three outfield spots and swings a decent bat. Ed Stroud provides some speed off the bench and has a decent bat as well. Syd O'Brien looks to be a better hitter than Brinkman or Becket, but his glove has been atrocious at times.

Manager: ??
Billy Martin got the call to manage the club almost immediately after the Thunder were awarded a CKL franchise. Martin's experience is limited and his methods can be unconventional. Still no one doubt's Billy Martin's intense desire to win. Will this intense, young manager inspire players or is Martin not ready for the big-time yet?

Overall: C+/B-
This team looks like it will finish with a winning record and in another division could be a strong Wild Card contender. However, the Hulbert Division has perennial powerhouse, the Legends, and a on the rise Skipjacks team to deal with. They were picked to finish third with a winning record by most experts, but that was before the Agee deal. Agee strengthened the team's offense with a solid right handed bat that was sorely lacking and upgraded the outfield defense in center and in left (by allowing Cardenal to slide over to left). If Jim Bunning can make up for the loss of Ray Culp this year, that deal might be enough to push the Thunder into the playoff picture.

[Windy City Fan]

Free agent signings, Denny McClain and Rusty Staub, led the expansion Thunder to the wild card. McClain won the Cy Young award and Staub finished 5th in MVP voting.

The Thunder stumbled out of the gate early, and changes were made. Closer, Cecil Upshaw, and number two starter, Bob Veale, struggled early and lost their jobs. The Thunder pulled a midseason deal for reliever Chuck Hartenstein who helped stablize the bullpen. Lee Stange excelled all year as he pitched in the bullpen, before moving to the rotation, and then moving back to the pen to assume closer duties. Veteran Jim Bunning also had an excellent season, particularly down the stretch where he won pitcher of the month in October to help the Thunder land in the wild card by a two game margin.

The Thunder went on to be the first expansion team to ever win a playoff series when they defeated the Gamblers 3 games to 1. However, the Legends proved to be too much and lost the league championship match 4 to 1.

[Windy City Fan]

Non-Tendered
Lee Stange 2.0
Hank Aguire 3.0
Don Pavelitch 1.25
Mike Fiore 250K
Jerry Cram 250K
Cecil Upshaw 750K

Expired Contracts
Jerry Moses (FA 99 2.0 Million)
Chuck Hartenstein (FA 69 2.0 Million)
Bubba Morton (FA 69 to 69, 250K)
OF Lou Pinella (64 Draft, 250K)
Rich Reese (500K, 64 draft)
Rick Joseph (FA 69, 250K)
RP Bill Landis (FA 69, 250K)
SP Bill Champion (FA 69, 250K)
3B Max Alvis (FA 69, 250K)

Pay Raise
Don Sutton to 3.25 +250K
Dick Drago to 750K +250K
Jack Dilauro to 500K +250K
Glen Beckert to 1.0 +250K
Doug Rader to 2.0 +1.0
Syd O'Brien to 500K +250K
Tim McCarver to 2.5 +250K
Hal King to 1.0 +500K

Trades
73 1st Round pick to the Iron (formerly Angels) for Mike Cuellar
72 3rd Round pick to the Orphans for Don Clendenon
Denny McClain and Ramon Hernandez to the Diablos for Al Kaline
Bob Veale and 72 4th Round pick to Orphans for Orphans 1970 5th round pick
Al Beane and 72 2nd Round pick to Legends for the 13th overall pick in 1970 draft
Tim McCarver for the Diablos 1971 2nd round pick
73 4th Round pick for Bernie Allen

Rookie Draft
1st Round (13th overall): P Steve Kline 250K
2nd Round (27th overall): P Dave LaRoche 250K
3rd Round (43rd overall): P Ed Acosta 250K
5th Round (68th overall): P Harry Parker 250K
5th Round (75th overall): IF Al Severson 250K

Free Agent Signings
Jack Aker 5M – 2 year deal
Don McMahon 4.75 – 1 year deal
Mickey Stanley 500K – 3 year deal
Joe Lahoud 500K – 2 year deal
Dick Green 750 – 2 year deal
Andy Etchebarren 500K – 2 year deal

[Windy City Fan]

After making it to the league championship series, the Thunder kept many of the same core players, but did make some big moves. The most shocking was trading ace pitcher and Cy Young award winner, Denny McLain, for aging slugger, Al Kaline. Kaline will fill in the DH slot, which had previously been manned by the now departed triple combo of Bubba Morton, Lou Piniella, and Mike Fiore.

To replace McLain in the rotation, the Thunder made a second major aquisition, trading a future number one pick for left handed Mike Cuellar. Cuellar will be the opening day starter and will be asked to fill the void in the rotation left by McLain's departure.

Rich Reese was allowed to leave via free agency and Don Clendenon was aquired to take his place at first. The bullpen has largely been remade through free agents and draft choices. Jack Aker and Don McMahon got sizeable contracts to pitch from the Thunder pen and rookie lefty Dave LaRoche joins them. Holdovers, John Gelnar and John Morris round out the pen.

The last major switch was the emergence of rookie backstop, Thurmon Munson. With Munson now crowned the starting catcher, last year's backstop, Tim McCarver, was dealt for future draft considerations.

The Thunder boast a solid lineup, rotation, and bullpen, but still face an uphill battle in the Hulbert division against a resurgent Skipjacks lineup and last years playoff nemesis, the Legends.

[Windy City Fan]

After making it to the league championship series, the Thunder kept many of the same core players, but did make some big moves. The most shocking was trading ace pitcher and Cy Young award winner, Denny McLain, for aging slugger, Al Kaline. Kaline will fill in the DH slot, which had previously been manned by the now departed triple combo of Bubba Morton, Lou Piniella, and Mike Fiore.

To replace McLain in the rotation, the Thunder made a second major aquisition, trading a future number one pick for left handed Mike Cuellar. Cuellar will be the opening day starter and will be asked to fill the void in the rotation left by McLain's departure.

Rich Reese was allowed to leave via free agency and Don Clendenon was aquired to take his place at first. The bullpen has largely been remade through free agents and draft choices. Jack Aker and Don McMahon got sizeable contracts to pitch from the Thunder pen and rookie lefty Dave LaRoche joins them. Holdovers, John Gelnar and John Morris round out the pen.

The last major switch was the emergence of rookie backstop, Thurmon Munson. With Munson now crowned the starting catcher, last year's backstop, Tim McCarver, was dealt for future draft considerations.

The Thunder boast a solid lineup, rotation, and bullpen, but still face an uphill battle in the Hulbert division against a resurgent Skipjacks lineup and last years playoff nemesis, the Legends.

[jterry619]

After making it to the league championship series, the Thunder kept many of the same core players, but did make some big moves. The most shocking was trading ace pitcher and Cy Young award winner, Denny McLain, for aging slugger, Al Kaline. Kaline will fill in the DH slot, which had previously been manned by the now departed triple combo of Bubba Morton, Lou Piniella, and Mike Fiore.

To replace McLain in the rotation, the Thunder made a second major aquisition, trading a future number one pick for left handed Mike Cuellar. Cuellar will be the opening day starter and will be asked to fill the void in the rotation left by McLain's departure.

Rich Reese was allowed to leave via free agency and Don Clendenon was aquired to take his place at first. The bullpen has largely been remade through free agents and draft choices. Jack Aker and Don McMahon got sizeable contracts to pitch from the Thunder pen and rookie lefty Dave LaRoche joins them. Holdovers, John Gelnar and John Morris round out the pen.

The last major switch was the emergence of rookie backstop, Thurmon Munson. With Munson now crowned the starting catcher, last year's backstop, Tim McCarver, was dealt for future draft considerations.

The Thunder boast a solid lineup, rotation, and bullpen, but still face an uphill battle in the Hulbert division against a resurgent Skipjacks lineup and last years playoff nemesis, the Legends.

Nice post..

[Windy City Fan]

1970 was a season of mixed results for the Thunder. On the positive side rookies Steve Kline, John LaRoche, and Thurmon Munson all contributed nicely to the club. Don Sutton and Dick Drago also progressed in their young careers while veteran wonder, Jim Bunning, had a strong season and was the staff ace. Al Kaline was another veteran who was a key contributer. And Rusty Staub was again the Thunder's top offensive player.

On the downside, new aquisition, Mike Cuellar, disappointed. Despite pitching nearly 300 innings, Cuellar was consistently mediocre and lost twenty games. Free agent closer Jack Acker was less than impressive as well, notching only 14 saves and a 4.39 ERA. The biggest bust however was Don Clendenon. Expected to provide some offense in filling in for the departed Rich Reese, the veteran first baseman struggled all year.

However the greatest disappointment of the season was in a move that was made last year. Ray Culp, who had been traded just before opening day in 1969 for Tommy Agee put together an outstanding season and was the unanimous Cy Young winner. Meanwhile, Agee, who had been a key player in 1969's playoff season, slumped badly, hitting only .237 with 14 homeruns. However, it must be said that the Denny McLain deal was a major success for the franchise. McLain, after winning the Cy Young in 1969 was traded for Al Kaline. Kaline was one of the club's top offensive contributers while McLain struggled for the Diablos, pitching less than 100 innings with an ERA over 5.00.

Despite a magical inaugral season and a second winning season for this franchise club, critics are challenging the front office's expertise citing the mixed bag of results from this season's moves. With several cornerstone players now entering their the last season of their contract, the Thunder are clearly in win now mode. Nothing short of a playoff appearance can be considered a success in 1971. After that, the dreaded rebuilding phase looms in the future.

[Windy City Fan]

Non Tendered
1B Don Clendenon
IF Syd O'Brien
RP Jack Dilauro
C Hal King

Free Agents
SP Jim Bunning
RP John Gelnar
RP John Morris
RP Don McMahon
2B Glen Beckert
SS Ed Brinkman
OF Ed Stroud
IF Bernie Allen
IF Chico Ruiz
SP Gary Peters

Pay Raise
Don Sutton +250K
Doug Rader +250K
Dave LaRoche +250K
Steve Kline +250K
Dick Drago +250K
Mike Cuellar +250K

Rookie Draft
2nd Round (22nd overall) - 1B Cecil Cooper, 250K
2nd Round (30th overall) - SS Frank Taveras, 250K

Free Agent Signings
Grant Jackson 2.5 – 3 years
Don McMahon 750K – 3 year
Cecil Upshaw 500K – 2 year
Don Mincher 4.75 – 1 year
Rico Petrocelli 4.75 – 1 year
John Morris 250K – 1 year
Tom Haller 1.0 – 1 year
Johnny Jeter 250K – 3 year
Manny Mota 750K – 2 year
Bernie Allen 1,75 – 1 year
Jake Gibbs 250K – 1 year
Jackie Hernandez 250K - 1 year
Ernie Banks 250K - 1 year
Jim Bunning 250K - year
Jim Ray Hart 250K - 3 year deal
Mike Hegan 250K - 2 year deal

Trades
RP John Morris and RP Harry Parker for IF Tim Cullen and RP Ron Taylor.
RP Jack Aker and OF Jose Cardenal for 3B/1B Harmon Killebrew and OF Ollie Brown

[Windy City Fan]

After a mildly disappointing second season, that saw the Thunder finish over .500 but fail to compete, fans were surprised to see the Thunder stay put during the early premium free agency period. However, the Thunder got busy in the secondary market, landing 1B Don Mincher, 3B/SS Rico Petrocelli, and leftly reliever Grant Jackson. Relievers Don McMahon and Cecil Upshaw were also resigned as were reserve infielder Bernie Allen. Manny Mota and Tom Haller round out the bench. However, the Thunder weren't finished. They dealt minor league pitching prospect Harry Parker for Ron Taylor. And then in a last minute deal, aquired veteran slugger Harmon Killebrew to man third base.

The Thunder pitching staff looks to be strong. For the first time they'll be going with a four man rotation, but Don Sutton, Mike Cuellar, Steve Kline, and Dick Drago seem more than able to handle the workload. In the bullpen second year lefty Dave LaRoche and free agent aquistiion Grant Jackson will be the primary lefties and rookie Ed Acosta will close from the right side with Ron Taylor setting up.

The lineup is easily the best the Thunder have ever trotted out. Don Mincher, Al Kaline, Rusty Staub, and Harmon Killebrew form a fearsome two through five. Ollie Brown looks solid in the lead off spot and Tommie Agee, Rico Petrocelli, and Thurmon Munson all provide strong bats from key defensive positions.

Defensively however, the team does have a few question marks. Petrocelli and Killebrew form a questionable left side of the infield. Look for defensive whiz Tim Cullen to get a some late game action at short.

Overall though, this is the best Thunder team to date. Sacrificing some defensive excellence for a lot of increased thunder in the bats, while maintaining their traditional pitching strength. Both of their top division rivals, the Legend and the defending champions, the Skipjacks, look to compete as well so once again the Hulber will be the toughest division in baseball.

The Thunder have managed to plug their holes with secondary free agents signed to short term contracts. Only Thurmon Munson and Harmon Killebrew (team option) are the only regular starters signed to return. Plus, staff ace, Don Sutton is also entering free agency in the coming off season. With a massive rebuilding effort looming, the team is clearly gearing up to make an all or nothing run for that elusive championship ring.

[Windy City Fan]

The Thunder returned to the postseason in 1972, posting their best record to date in the process. The team struggled early, hanging around the .500 mark for the first few months before taking off in the second half. That second half surge was fueled by mid season aquisition of Ron Hunt, Clay Kirby, and Dan Frisella.

Hunt shifted from second base to third for Thunder, allowing Killebrew to take over at first and benching the disappointing Don Mincher. Frisella took over as the to right hander out of the pen and Kirby took Mike Cuellar's spot in the rotation.

Offensively, Hunt lead the charge but LF Rusty Staub and SS Rico Petrocelli were also important cornerstones of the offense. Veteran Al Kaline added another solid year. Killebrew was a slight disappointment, but was still productive. Second year catcher, Thurmon Munson, slumped badly this season and was platooned with veteran lefty Tom Haller. Joe Lahoud put up a fantastic rookie campaign once he took over full time duties.

On the mound, Dick Drago earned pitcher of the year honors, though Steve Kline and Don Sutton weren't far behind him. Clay Kirby also pitched well. Steve LaRoche notched a team record 17 saves after taking over closer duties half way through the season.

In the postseason, the Thunder were eliminated in the first round 3 games to 1. The first two games were close games that were decided by one run in the late innings. Fans have begun to question manager Billy Martin's tendancy to let his starters work late into the game. The third game, the Thunder's only win, was an exciting come from behind victory in the ninth inning, but they lost game four 5 - 0.

After three seasons, the Thunder are clearly the most successful of the 1969 exansion franchises. They have averaged 91 victories in their first three years of existence. However, they now face some serious questions in the offseason. Most of the strong pitching staff will be returning, but workhorse Don Sutton is a free agent this year. Of the everday starters, only Thurmon Munson will be returning. The club will have a lot of holes but a lot of cash available. Will they keep the young pitching staff intact and try to patch together a contending lineup to play behind them? Or will they sell off their talent and go into a full rebuilding mode? Rumors have it that the Thunder are entertaining offers for anyone on the roster except franchise catcher Thurmon Munson, but no moves are expected to be finalized until at least after the rookie draft. It promises to be an interesting off season.

[Windy City Fan]

Non Tender
Ed Acosta (70 Draft, 250K)
Harmon Killebrew (61 Draft, 12 Million)
Rich Severson (70 Draft, 250K)

Free Agents
SP Don Sutton (66 Draft, 3.5 Million)
1B Don Mincher (FA 71, 4.75)
2B Dick Green (FA 70 to 71, 750K)
SS Rico Petrocelli (FA 71, 4.75)
RF Ollie Brown (FA 71, 1 Million)
CF Tommie Agee (FA 68 to 71, 5 Million)
LF Rusty Staub (FA 69 to 71, 21 Million)
DH Al Kaline (FA 69 to 71, 7.75 Million)
C Tom Haller (FA 71, 1 Million)
IF Bernie Allen (FA 71, 1.75 Million)
IF Tim Cullen (FA 71, 250K)
OF Joe Lahoud (FA 70 to 71, 500K)
RP Al Severinsen (FA 69 to 71, 250K)
RP Jose Pena (FA 69 to 71, 250K)
C Andy Etchebarren (FA 70 to 71, 500K)
C Jake Gibbs (FA 71, 250K)
IF Jackie Hernandez (FA 71, 250K)
SP Stan Bahansen

Retired
SP Jim Bunning (FA 71, 250K)
1B Ernie Banks (FA 71, 250K)

Pay Raise
Dave LaRoche +250K to 750K
Danny Frisella +250K to 750K
Doug Rader +250K to
Dick Drago +1.0 to 2.0
Clay Kirby +750K to 1.5
Steve Kline +250K to 750K

Trades
75 2nd Round pick for SS Freddie Patek and P Bobby Lersch
74 2nd Round and 75 4th Round for CF Al Oliver
P Clay Kirby and IF Gene Alley for P Bob Moose

Draft
2nd Round: Dick Tidrow P
3rd Round: Bill Slayback P
4th Round: Rod Gilbreath IF

Free Agency
RF Reggie Smith 16.0 Million for three years
1B/LF Bob Watsons 14.0 Million for five years
1B/DH Willie Stargell 20.0 Million for three years
OF Jesus Alou 500K – 1 year
IF Gene Alley 500K – 1 year
OF Jay Johnstone 750K – 3 year
OF Ike Brown 500K – 2 year
SP Sonny Siebert 2.25 – 1 year
C Tom Haller 500K – 1 year
2B Felix Milan 2.5 – 3 year
SP Juan Marichal 3.5 – 1 year
IF Hector Torres 250K – 1 year
IF Tim Cullen 250K - 1 year
IF Leo Cardenas 250K – 1 year
1B Joe Pepitone 250K- 2 year
OF Deron Johnson 250K – 2 year

[Windy City Fan]

The starting lineup returns mostly in tact. The only change being at third base, where Doug Rader left as a free agent and the club signed slick fielding Aurelio Rodriguez to a bargin deal. Rodriguez, Patek, and Sizemore form a very reliable infield and should turn a lot of double plays. The rest of the defense did shift around a bit. Willie Stargell returns to the field as a left fielder. Reggie Smith, who's under pressure to rebound from a very disappointing season, moves to center and Al Oliver slides to first. Bob Watson will be taking over Stargell's DH duties. Manager Billy Martin is convinced this defensive alignment will be superior to last year's.

The bullpen also was also model of continuity. Veteran reliever Don McMahon won the closer's spot. Pedro Borbon, one of several pitchers who tried his hand at closing last year, will be the primary set up man. Grant Jackson remains in his usual role as the left handed setup man. And Barry Lersch will handle middle relief.

The starting rotation, however, experienced a dramatic turnover. Last year's Cy Young award winner, Bob Moose, left as a free agent. Steve Kline, who was a Cy Young contender last year, never recovered from the arm problems that shut him down at the end of the season and he was released. Dick Drago, the longest tenured member of the club, was traded for Joe Coleman. Coleman now holds the title of team ace. Dick Tidrow returns and hopes to build on his rookie season where he showed flashes of talent. Lefty Ron Bryant was aquired from the Skipjacks and figures to be a key member of the rotation. And Fritz Peterson and Tom Timmerman were signed to fill out the last two spots. Neither one was highly regarded as a free agent, but the Thunder hope they will be serviceable.

This is easily the thinnest pitching staff the Thunder have ever put on the field. But its balanced by the return of the best lineup the Thunder have ever produced. And if spring training is anything to go by, Thurmon Munson, Reggie Smith, and Bobby Bonds all are solid bets to improve their poduction from a year ago, while Stargell and Watson should remain all-star caliber players.

After finishing second four of the last five seasons, the experts are now picking the Thunder as the favorite in the Hulbert division. But the Thunder aren't taking anything for granted. They know their long time rivals, the Legends, won't give up the crown without a fight and rumor has the front office is still searching for opportunities to upgrade their rotation.

[Windy City Fan]

Tidrow Saddled with Another Loss Depsite a Three Hitter

4/25/1073

In what is becoming an all too familar pattern, second year hurler, Dick Tidrow, tossed a gem in a loosing effort. The Thunder bats continued to fail to live up to expectations as they were silenced by Angels pitching. The Thunder have the third worse OPS in the league, ahead of only the Angels and the Cloverleafs.

Tidrow started out rough, giving up a walk and three singles in the first inning, but the Angels only managed to tally one run. The rest of the way, Tidrow was perfect, shutting down the next 24 Angels batters in a row. "Dick had some trouble with his command in the first inning, but after that he settled down and really got in a groove. His slider was really snapping over the plate," catcher, Thurmon Munson said after the game. "It's ashamed we couldn't give him any support, because Dick has really deserved better." Tidrow's 0 - 5 record makes it easy to miss the fact that he's third in the league in WHIP at an impressive 0.99 and and second in K/BB ratio at 4.3.

This is the third complete game loss for Tidrow, and each of those games the Thunder have failed to score a single run. The closest the Thunder came to scoring this time was in the sixth inning, when Freddie Patek and Ted Sizemore singled back to back, but with Patek on third Bob Watson and Reggie Smith failed to drive him home.