IN: 1B Frank Robinson, SP Tom Seaver, RF Jose Cardenal, LF Pete Ward
OUT: RF Al Spangler, 1B Joe Hague, SP Jim Rooker

Lineup: Once mighty offense continued a slide toward mediocrity last year.  Feds led the league in stolen bases and were 4th in homers, but next to last in walks. Addition of Frank Robinson should boost production.

Rotation: Simultaneous off-years by entire staff resulted in second worst rotation a year ago.  Blyleven, in particular, was a disappointment, and will need to step up for the Feds to contend.

Bullpen: Hrobosky had 39 saves and an ERA around 2.50 the last two years, making him one of the most consistent closers in the league.

Outlook: The hitting is improved, the pitching should rebound, and if Seaver and Blyleven have big years, the Feds should be in the playoff picture.
  

 
IN: *Fred Lynn, LF Joe Rudi, 1B Mickey Mantle, *SS Dave Chalk, 1B Willie McCovey, *C John Stearns
OUT: SS Dick McAuliffe, 1B Bill Madlock, SP Luke Walker, C Jerry Moses, LF Steve Braun, 1B Bob Watson, MR Ray Lamb, RF Pat Kelly, CF Mickey Rivers

Lineup: Offense jumped six spots to 4th last year.  Emphasis on youth could be a step backward in the near term, though Schmidt is poised for a breakout year and forms a potent tandem with Brown.

Rotation: Vida Blue had career high 16 wins and 195 Ks last year, and Hands was a good addition, but pressure will be on Sosa and McGinn at top of rotation.

Bullpen: One of least experienced pens in the circuit, led by closer Goose Gossage, who endured a horrendous rookie campaign.

Outlook: Shift to youth development pushes prospects into immediate service.  Key individuals like Schmidt and Sosa will continue to progress, but team is still a few years from contending.
  

IN: *1B Dan Driessen, SS Zolio Versalles
OUT: LF Ben Oglivie, 2B Don Money, 3B Paul Schaal

Lineup: Division champs return almost exact lineup.  Cooper, Orta, and Stennett should improve, but will they compensate for decreased production from the aging Demeter, Pinson, and Hunt?

Rotation: All 5 starters had at least 14 wins and ERAs under 3.40, and three of them are 23, including Richard and Reuschel, the best young 1-2 combo in the league.

Bullpen: Southpaw Mingori had a breakout year, and Sprague/Fitzmorris are a solid setup duo.

Outlook: Barons remain team to beat in the East.  The pennant-winners kept all their key pieces intact, many of which should improve, and no one can touch their pitching.
 

IN: LF Willie Stargell, CF Jimmy Wynn
OUT: MR Ramon Hernandez, SP Roger Nelson, Johnny Callison

Lineup: Allen hasn't been the same since his 1972 hip strain, and Jackson is coming off the worst season of his six-year career.  Rookies Downing and Velez should be valuable contributors, but Wynn is a gamble in the leadoff role.

Rotation: Ellis was the best pitcher in the league before his Apr. 28 injury ended his season.  Reuss and Grimsley are among the best young southpaws.

Bullpen: Walker had 30 saves in Triple-A two years ago, but is untested as a UL closer.  Grzenda was good last year, but is usually horrendous the year after good seasons.

Outlook: A full season for Ellis and solid sophomore campaigns for Grimsley and Goltz should be enough to propel the Griffins into the playoff picture.
 

IN: *2B Craig Robinson, LF Lou Brock, SP Don Drysdale, MR Dave Giusti, SP Chuck Dobson, C Dick Dietz
OUT: SP Tom Seaver, SP Mike Nagy, LF Willie Stargell, 2B Chuck Schilling, LF Carl Yastrzemski, C Duke Sims, SS Zolio Versalles

Lineup: Craig Robinson should be a Rookie of the Year candidate and Garvey should have his third straight .300 season.  Look for upticks from Thomas and Fisk.

Rotation: Rogers is rated #1 prospect in UL, Sutton is a solid workhorse, and Drysdale, 37, returns to starting role for first time in five years.

Bullpen: Tatum is one of only two closers with 30 saves, sub-3.00 ERA in last two seasons.  Rest of bullpen overperformed last year, especially Buzz Capra and Dave Giusti.

Outlook: Sox are a good bet to finally break .500, but probably lack the quality to contend for a playoff spot.
 

IN: Everybody
OUT: Nobody

Lineup: Five rookies among starting eight, and Oglivie and Money are only major league regulars a year ago.  Oglivie is only long-ball threat, but Money and Hairston should be good on-base guys.

Rotation: Staff has more question marks than the Riddler's costume.  Nagy's move from spot-starter to ace role will be closely scrutinized, Rooker was horrible the last two years, veteran Pizarro spent the year in Havana, and Broberg has not progressed much.

Bullpen: Locker, Johnson, and Linzy--with a combined 57 saves last year--make the bullpen the only solid part of the V's roster.

Outlook: Reed overstuffed his roster with youth and will take a long-term approach, waiting for talent to develop.  This equates to an overinflated loss column and a near-certain last place finish.
 

IN: SS Dick McAuliffe, 1B Bob Watson, RF Pat Kelly, RF Johnny Callison
OUT: 1B Frank Robinson, LF Joe Rudi, SP Don Drysdale

Lineup: Addition of McAuliffe offsets lose of Frank Robinson's power, but makes lineup even more lefty-heavy and more susceptible to southpaws.

Rotation: Wilson narrowly missed his first 20-win season, Messersmith is a workhorse with five straight 200-inning campaigns, and Podres, 41, shows no signs of aging after a 2.44 ERA in 15 starts.

Bullpen: Rookie Milt Wilcox a controversial choice as closer ahead of proven save men Joe Hoerner and John Strohmayer.  17-win Clay Kirby moves from rotation to long relief, trading places with Jim Colburn.

Outlook: Mons will contend for a playoff spot, but probably lack the arms to seriously challenge Cleveland's supremacy.
 

Terrance Carlsson: The TSN Interview
TSN: What is your master plan for turning this struggling franchise back to its former glory of an East Division powerhouse?
TC:  Early on I focused on trimming the payroll by parting ways with some of the older more expensive players.  I was able to acquire some promising players through the draft and trades.  We are excited here in Brooklyn with Lynn, Stearns, Schmidt, and Hernandez and with some of the outfield depth we brought in.  We also signed Mickey Mantle which will be important to the fans but we also like the experience he brings with him.  In short I think the team will no doubt improve on last years record, as for contending you really never know.
TSN: Did you have contact with previous owner? Any words of advice from him even though his new venture is in your division?
TC:  Glen Reed the former owner was very helpful with my integration into the league.  He was the main architect for the team during their great run so I value his advice.
TSN: It's hard to imagine such a thing as too much depth, but do you worry about getting stuck with so many first basemen?
TC:  We traded off Madlock and Hernandez is not quite ready, so I brought in some affordable veterans to see if they have anything left in the tank.  I do enjoy the occasional trade so if one of the veterans is able to get hot I could trade off some depth later in the season.
TSN: Seriously, are you ever going to get some pitching?
TC: Well, I would like to, I think my starting pitching is mediocre and that is really what I am aiming for.  If I can show the fans that there is a commitment and still make as much money as possible that would be terrific.  I figure I have a few seasons of coasting before the fans realize that I'm just worried about the bottom line.  No, seriously I would love pitching, if any owners have some worthy rotation arms I would be glad to work a deal.  I do have Vida Blue, Goose, and Sosa who showed a ton of promise in his rookie year.  So I don't think we are as thin as others may perceive us to be.


Douglas Kohn: The TSN Interview
TSN: Your inherited franchise is one of only two original teams to have never gotten to the postseason.  What do you think has held the Griffins back in recent years?
DK:  Looking back statistically wise I see the Griffin's have been comparable with the different winners of years past, especially in the last 4 years.  The talk I hear in the locker room I think we there is a lack of togetherness to many people wanting to be the Chief and not enough Indians.  There are some big egos in our locker room and they are going to have to get put in check.
TSN: Which players do you consider the core of the franchise?  What areas do you intend to upgrade?
DK: I'm going to need some leaders this year to make a run for the Pennant, Dennis Menke is a natural leader and I'm going to be looking to him to take charge and lead these other players, he was injured quite a bit last year hopefully we can keep him healthy and have him around for more than just 93 games this year.  Really between Menke and Pop's Stargell they should be able to keep the team rolling.  On the other hand we do need to keep Doc Ellis in check as our number one pitcher, if he can keep his LSD issues under control he will be a force to reckon with, then again that might we what makes him pitch so good.  I was looking to upgrade my out SS and CF, the CF position I feel we upgraded a lot defensively due to the acquisition of Wynn this year who is also know to be a good dugout leader, anyone who can motivate and catch a ball is ok in my eyes.
TSN: In a division that has been dominated by Brooklyn, Washington, and Cleveland, what do you think it will take for the Flyin' Lions to win a division title?
DK: Small ball, I don't need to have the long ball hitters trying for the fence every game lets just put the ball in play and make things happen.  If we can stay healthy with our main starters, keep the pitching consistent we will be ok, I feel we have a good opportunity this year to make a run for the pennant, this team has a strong group of player and some very good ones with a lot of experience who can teach and help the younger ones.  Let's get it on!
 

IN: *RF Dave Parker
OUT: LF Tom Grieve, CF Cesar Geronimo, MR Frank Linzy

Lineup: Top offense looks solid again, packed with power in hitter-friendly park.  Parker wins starting job after hitting .342 in first 30 games.  Torre-Bando remains best 3-4 combo in league. 

Rotation: Bradley and Briles had good first years as full-time starters, but Carlton has yet to impress.

Bullpen: Moffitt had breakout year with 30 saves in sophomore campaign, but the rest of the staff is thin on quality.

Outlook: With the Toppers offense, if Carlton comes around and the starting pitching improves, Atlanta will be an instant contender.
  

IN: Steve Braun, *MR Kent Tekulve
OUT: SP Bob Friend, RF Hank Aaron, MR Bob D. Johnson, LF Pete Ward, MR Dave Giusti, C Dick Dietz

Lineup: Maris is aging and May is in decline, but Taylor and Braun are perhaps league's best table-setters and bottom of the order should improve.

Rotation: #1 rotation returns mostly intact.  Janeski earns full time starter role, filling in for retired Bob Friend, and Bahnsen is coming off best year since his 1969 rookie campaign.

Bullpen: Gene Garber has developed and will share closer duty with World Series MVP Parker.

Outlook: All indications point to a Chicago repeat, barring injury to one of their big three starters.
 

IN: *Frank Tanana, SP Luis Tiant, *C Bob Boone,
OUT: SP Gaylord Perry

Lineup: Crawford, Carew were All-Star quality, but Bailey, Chambliss, and Bench will have to rebound for Texans to improve on their second straight last-place finish.

Rotation: Griffin, not a regular starter in four years, is a big gamble at #1.  The club lacks top-line starters, but Simpson and Shellenback are workhorses and Randy Jones had a great rookie campaign.

Bullpen: Ever-deeper pen backs Cleveland, who has 94 saves in last 3 years: rookie John Cumberland joins Jim Willoughby in set up role, and Lyle, Tidrow, and Crone provide plenty of depth.

Outlook: Offense should improve, but only expansion Denver will keep Dallas from their third last place finish on the trot.
 

IN: Everybody
OUT: Nobody

Lineup: Flood and Madlock are quality table-setters and Grieve has some pop, but rest of lineup are Triple-A caliber.

Rotation: Kline, Bosman, Walker are established veterans, but all are a couple years removed fro their last good season and the bottom of the order is a crapshoot.

Bullpen: Ray Lamb was a phenom in 1971 and somehow managed 22 saves with a 6.90 ERA last year.  Rookie Bill Castro gets set up job.

Outlook: Veterans like Flood and Kline will prevent a complete fiasco, but the only team 14ers will finish ahead of will be the expansion Voyageurs.
 

IN: 2B Chuck Schilling, 3B Paul Schaal, *SP Steve Busby, *MR Mike Caldwell, *MR Bob Apodaca
OUT: SP Steve Kline, LF Curt Flood, SP Joe Gibbon

Lineup: Could be league's top offense this year.  Top 4 batters are perhaps best in the circuit, and Henderson is poised for MVP-esque season.

Rotation: Dierker and Peterson are paragons of durable and consistent excellence, but Niekro is aging and Strom is unproven

Bullpen: Borbon is a top shelf closer, but he is backed up by a pair of rookie set up men in Apodaca and Caldwell.

Outlook: Bottom of rotation holds key.  Solid years from Roberts and Strom could see L.A. challenge for West pennant.
 

IN: 1B Joe Hague, *SP Geoff Zahn, MR Ramon Hernandez, *RF Ron Stone, *SS Jerry Royster
OUT: RF Jose Cardenal, MR Bob Locker, 1B Mickey Mantle, CF Jimmie Hall, SP Chuck Dobson

Lineup: Hard to imagine Smith and Powell not bouncing back from disastrous campaigns.  Fregosi, Nettles solid at the top, and Joe Hague is a good addition.

Rotation: Rookie lefty Geoff Zahn joins one of the best young staffs in the league, led by Cy candidate Jon Matlack.

Bullpen: LaRoche went was 41 to 5 saves and tripled his ERA.  Hernandez bolsters supporting cast, but Barr is unproven in closer role.

Outlook: The pitching is there.  If the hitting reverts to form after a forgettable '73, the Maroons should be in the playoff hunt.
 

IN: *LF Jim Rice, *MR Ken Forsch
OUT: LF Lou Brock, SP Jim Ray, SP Luis Tiant, CF Jimmy Wynn

Lineup: Evans should emerge from sophomore slump, and George Foster and sixth overall pick Jim Rice jumps right into heart of the order.

Rotation: Moose, Jenkins solid 1-2, but Hedlund needs to return to his '72 form
and McGlothlen and Albury are green.

Bullpen: McGraw, with 88 saves in last 3 years, is backed by sophomores Terry Forster and Don Hood, but all three are lefties.

Outlook: Foster, Rice, McGlothlen, Hedlund are four keys.  If all do well, expect the Spiders to crack .500 for just 2nd time in six years.
 

Joanna Graham: The TSN Interview
TSN: Describe your first impression of this team. Don't worry, we won't tell the previous owner.
JG: Taking the reins in St. Louis is a dream come true. I’ve been a STL fan as long as I can remember, so the opportunity to merge being a fan with business is the best of both worlds.  The St. Louis fans have been great; they always embrace their own, and that’s half the battle in this city.
     It was hard to say good-bye to [Mickey] Mantle and some missing familiar faces in Cardenal and Cey, but this team’s going to benefit from an infusion of youth and talent.  Lis, Hague, Torres and Royster are all upgrades, and we’ve got one of the best young pitching rotations in the league.
     When the guys have been decent enough to allow me to walk through the locker room, I’ve heard the last owner was truly old-school, and it’s a school of thought I couldn’t agree more with. I’m not looking for guys who are here to collect a paycheck. Baseball is more than a game, it’s a mindset, and the guys in this locker room are hungry and here to win.
TSN: Last spring the Maroons were tipped to be the best offensive team in the league, but they finished dead last in runs scored.  How do you intend to kickstart the offense?
JG: Corked bats. Don’t tell.  We’re a much smarter team this year.   We had to make some hard decisions in the off-season, but I like what I see this spring. Royster’s young, but has worked hard since arriving in camp; definitely becoming a more disciplined hitter. We’ve got some solid vets in Fregosi and Nettles, and Porter’s set for a breakout season. That being said, our youth may also be our Achilles’ heel. We fell short of expectations last season – Powell and [Reggie] Smith had frustrating years, and it’s easy for young players to get impatient if you start dropping a few games.  I’m just urging our guys to take it one day at a time.
TSN: Are you really a woman, or pretending to be just to mess with us?
JG: I’m like the Wizard of Oz… pay no attention to the man (or woman!) behind the curtain! Hahaha… It’s actually pretty simple. My dad wanted a boy, he got me, fast forward 30 years and presto!  Don’t get me wrong, I have some girly tendencies (and don’t think I’m above wearing something short or form-fitting if I’m heading into contract negotiations. I’ve been around this game long enough to know it works). Just know that at the end of the day, I’m happiest with beer, pizza and 4 TV’s, and the biggest argument I ever have with my husband is whose team gets top billing on the 60” flat-screen.
TSN: How do you feel about being the first woman GM in what has been an all boys club for so many years?
JG: I love it. If we ever get together, I know I wouldn’t have to wait in line for the bathroom. I married a Marine, so there’s nothing anyone can say that would make me blush (really!) and I can hold my own in a game of touch football. Get ready, boys, I’m here to stay. I’ll even bring the first round of Cubans to next year’s winter meetings.