United League Baseball

T
E
A
M

C
A
P
S
U
L
E
S

D R A F T R E V I E W / S E A S O N P R E V I E W (by Charlie Qualls)

W E S T D I V I S I O N

E A S T D I V I S I O N

CHICAGO COLTS
Lance Mueller

BROOKLYN SUPERBAS
Glen Reed

C RF SS CF LF 1B 3B 2B SP SP SP SP CL	L L R S R L R R L R R R R	Johnny Roseboro Gus Bell Ernie Banks Mickey Mantle Gus Zernial Marv Throneberry Don Hoak Jim Finigan Whitey Ford Tom Sturdivant Johnny Kucks Robin Roberts Don Elston	IN: CF Jackie Brandt, SP Bob Shaw OUT: MR Don Gross, 3B Bobby Adams, SP Joe Presko, CF Bill Virdon, 1B Whitey Lockman, Try Your Other Wallet Lack of money forced Lance Mueller to sit out of the Re-Entry draft. But he made the most of it by trading his “useless” picks for future prospects. The rookie draft brought much joy to Chicago, by adding two serious outfield prospects in Jackie Brandt and Don Demeter. The Colts also snagged highly rated hurler Bob Shaw. Outlook: Chicago was definitely hurt by not being able to pick up any “hole fillers” in the reentry draft. The rotation, it seems, will need the most help. Whitey can’t do it all himself, afterall. He’ll need Robin Roberts to earn at least part of that $10 mil contract. Sturdivant and Kucks, while fairly stable, have yet to break out and show what they can do. Watch for Bob Shaw to play a role sooner than expected.

3B CF LF SS 1B RF C 2B SP SP SP SP CL	L L R R L L L L R L R R R	Bobby Brown Richie Ashburn Ralph Kiner Granny Hamner Suitcase Simpson Sandy Amoros Hobie Landrith Pete Runnels Gene Conley Don Mossi Lew Burdette Dick Donovan Hoyt Wilhelm	IN: CL Tom Acker, SS Luis Aparicio, 3B Charlie Neal OUT: MR Jackie Collum, 3B George Kell, MR Bob Trowbridge If It Ain’t Brook… Fix It! Already the most feared outfield in the league, Glen Reed just tossed Minnie Minoso on the pile (a steal at $1.6 mil). Tom Acker and Luis Aparicio join the squad as well. Some cryptic picks were made, regarding some “Free” Free Agents in early rounds. Still awaiting an explanation on those. But I suppose if you win a hundred games every year, you don’t need to explain a whole lot. I Am Not A Rook The Brooks eschewed any claims to rookies this year. Is it the “eggs and basket” approach? Or part of a bigger plan . . . Outlook: While the rotation is aging, they’ve still got another championship or two left in them. The rock solid bullpen will pick up any slack that can’t be handled by the league’s premiere offense.

LOS ANGELES OUTLAWS
Chris McCreight

CLEVELAND BARONS
Charlie Qualls

RF 3B LF CF C 1B 2B SS SP SP SP SP SP CL	L L R L R L R R R R R R R R	Albie Pearson Ed Bouchee Frank Robinson Vada Pinson* Roy Campanella Dale Long Cass Michaels George Strickland Bubba Church Spec Shea Hank Aguirre Bob Rush Ray Herbert Ray Narleski	IN: CL Ted Abernathy, CF Vada Pinson, SP Hank Aguirre, 2B Cass Michaels, OUT: 3B Al Rosen, SP Art Houtteman A Gambler and A Thief* Somewhat risky call drafting perennial underachiever starter Hank Aguirre in the first round, but this was soon rectified as Cass Michaels was brought in to anchor the middle infield, and somehow, the draft’s premiere closer Ted Abernathy, dropped to the third round. Throw a solid Eddie Yost on the pile and you’ve got a decent draft. “Son” of a Bitch! If a Robinson/Pinson/Pearson outfield doesn’t send chills up and down your rotation, then your rotation is probably drunk. And if they are drunk, it’s probably because they figured out these guys are all under 25! Outlook: Team should be mildly improved this season, based solely on the addition of Abernathy, but Aguirre is not the answer to the rotation problem. And still no back-up in sight for Campanella.

LF 2B SS CF 3B C 1B RF SP SP SP SP CL	L L R L L L L L L L L R R	Gil Coan Solly Hemus Harvey Kuenn Roger Maris Eddie Mathews Yogi Berra Joe Torre Cal Abrams Bud Daley Harvey Haddix Billy O'Dell Carl Willey* Roy Face	IN: C Frank House, SP John Tsitouris, 3B Dick Williams, RF Hal Jeffcoat OUT: SP Dave Koslo (ret), SP Hank Aguirre Baron Wasteland* In a scramble to protect the core of the team (up for renewal after this season), Baron GM C. Qualls had to spend what little cash he had on “one year” guys. However, the draft wasn’t a total wash. The team welcomed Harvey Haddix back into the fold. Haddix has always been solid and will be handed the ball almost immediately. Much needed outfield help came in the forms of Hal Jeffcoat, Whitey Herzog and utility man Dick Williams. A last minute deal brought a previously traded first round rookie pick to Cleveland. John Tsitouris joins the squad as the first rookie pick of the new era. Tsitouris will not be rushed to service however, in keeping with tradition. Outlook: The rotation will be an experiment, as GM Qualls is reluctant to call up youngsters before their time. The bullpen will have to maintain their solid ways to help out. The offense remains quietly strong, with plenty of balance to go around.

LOUISVILLE COLONELS
Mark Allen

DETROIT GRIFFINS
Sean Holloway

2B 3B LF RF 1B C SS CF SP SP SP SP CL	L R R R R L R R L L R R R	Nellie Fox George Kell Hank Aaron Wally Post Bill Skowron Ed Bailey Rocky Bridges Al Kaline Johnny Antonelli Lou Brissie Herm Wehmeier Milt Pappas Cloyd Boyer	IN: 3B George Kell, SP Bobby Shantz, SP Joe Presko, 3B Al Rosen OUT: SP Bob Porterfield, CL Tom Acker, RF Elmer Valo (ret), 3B Johnny Pesky (ret), MR Sheldon Jones (ret) Hot Cornered The Champion Colonels had some cash burning a hole in their pocket, and spent it all. The most significant (and most expensive) acquisition was third base tandem George Kell and Al Rosen. This pricey move should pay off, however, as hopeful Felix Mantilla has been average at the hot corner thus far. Bobby Shantz and Joe Presko were picked up as well, each hoping to crack the cracked rotation. Some were shocked to see that Mr. Allen repeatedly passed up chances to scoop up Ted Abernathy. Louisville seems to be minus one solid closer. The Col's swapped their first round rookie considerations to add Lou Brissie to the rotation. The second round brought a strong prospect in starter Jim Perry. Outlook: Despite the lack of a proven door closer, this is still the team to beat in the West. The already formidable offense will improve thanks to Kell/Rosen. The additions of Brissie, Shantz and Presko should offer some options in the rotation.

SS RF CF LF 1B C 3B 2B SP SP SP SP CL	S R L R L R R R R L R R L	Maury Wills* Tom Umphlett Dusty Rhodes Jim Greengrass Jim Cunningham Earl Battey Frank Malzone Bobby Richardson Sandy Koufax Pedro Ramos Art Ceccarelli Joey Jay Jack Meyer	IN: SP Jim O'Toole, MR Don Gross, SS Maury Wills OUT: none Wait For It… Detroit seemed content to let others scramble for cast-offs, and is busy stockpiling money. However, they couldn’t resist picking up quiet stud Don Gross. What can we say? Sean knows a bargain when he sees one. The question we should all be worried about: What is Sean saving for? “Where There’s A Wills…” Possibly the most productive rookie draft went to Mr. Halloway. Most were surprised by the early swipe of swipester Maury Wills. Will his speed and D make up for his lack of pop? However, the Griffins still managed to steal power prospects Ron Fairly, Jim O’Toole and Marty Keough. Outlook: Other than Gross, not much added in the way of immediate improvement. However, one would be blind not to see that this is a team on the rise. The young rotation is gaining more experience and should be a force in their division soon enough.

ST LOUIS MAROONS
Tim Smith

NEW YORK GOTHAMS
Shawn Martin

CF RF 1B LF SS 3B C 2B SP SP SP SP SP CL	L L L L R R L R L R R R R R	Bill Virdon Gene Woodling Stan Musial Dick Kokos Dick Groat Willie Jones Joe Garagiola Danny O'Connell Billy Pierce Jack Sanford Bob Anderson Erv Palica Art Houtteman Jim Brosnan	IN: SS Dick Groat, SP Roger Craig, SP Bill Monbouquette, SP Art Houtteman, SP Erv Palica, CF Bill Virdon, C Joe Garagiola OUT: SS Luis Aparicio, 2B Cass Michaels, MR Ed Roebuck (ret) No Maroon Is An Island* Can you say reload? Nine castaways later, and the Maroons may be back in business. Dick Groat is a solid pick up at short. Four starting pitchers and a reliever were scooped up as well. Bill Virdon and Al Smith should supply adequate OF support. But the topper? Picking up a legitimate starting catcher in the 12th round! Say it ain’t so, Joe! The rookie draft was a fruitful one. Jim Monbouquette topped most GM’s list as the most promising starter in the draft. And Lee Maye will help replenish an aged outfield. Outlook: The Maroons looked like they might quietly start the re-building phase, but this draft has shown they believe they can still compete. Starting pitching will be a question mark, but with 10 guys competing for 2 spots, something should work out. This may be a “last hurrah” situation as the offensive core of Musial, Woodling, and Marshall are not long for this league.

RF 2B C 1B CF LF 3B SS SP SP SP SP SP CL	L R L R L R R R R R R L R R	Wally Moon Hector Lopez Joe Ginsberg Orlando Cepeda Larry Doby Roberto Clemente Bobby Adams Don Buddin Bob Friend Billy Loes Bob Purkey Curt Simmons Frank Sullivan Bob Hooper	IN: C Joe Ginsberg, MR Jackie Collum, RF Bob Allison, 3B Bobby Adams, SP Ruben Gomez, 1B Whitey Lockman, MR Bob Trowbridge OUT: 2B Jackie Robinson (ret), CF Jim Busby, SP Roger Craig, SP Erv Palica, RF Hal Jeffcoat What Do You Buy the Team That Needs Everything?* The Gothams filled a gaping hole by reclaiming backstop former Gotham Joe Ginsberg after five years in D.C.. Then went on to add two solid relievers in Collum and Trowbridge. Ruben Gomez should see some action by default. My Aim Is True Bob Allison should be studly, but it may have been a risk as NY had their pick of rookie hurlers. However, Allison was the highest rated player available overall. Outlook: In a pitching-rich division, the Gothams are hard pressed to compete. The rotation looks decent enough, but will be overshadowed once again. The additions of Collum and Trowbridge should help.

SAN FRANCISCO SPIDERS
John Nellis

WASHINGTON MONUMENTS
Steven Giovanelli

3B SS RF 1B CF LF 2B C SP SP SP SP CL	R R R L R L R R R R R L R	Ken Boyer Eddie Bressoud Rocky Colavito Ted Kluszewski Jim Busby Wes Covington Chico Carrasquel Ed Fitz Gerald Bob Porterfield Ewell Blackwell Sam Jones Juan Pizarro* George Zuverink	IN: SP Bob Porterfield, 1B Harmon Killebrew, CF Jim Busby, 1B Ted Kluszewski OUT: SP Warren Spahn (ret), SP Ruben Gomez, SP Bobby Shantz, 3B Charlie Neal, 3B Dick Williams Spider Strength* While other teams hoped Jim Busby would fall to a cheaper round, SF wasted no time scooping up this nearly coveted outfielder with the first overall pick of the Reentry draft. Ted Kluszewski soon followed in what should be a much improved Spider O. Lone Starter acquisition Bob Porterfield brings championship experience to a struggling Spider rotation. Genuine Draft Pick First pick overall in the rookie draft required no brain cells as Harmon Killebrew looks to down a few under the Golden Gate. Will this Killer Brew be opened right away? Or age to perfection in the minor leagues? Maybe cold-filtering is the way to go with a Klubrewski first base tandem. Second rounder OF George Altman looks solid, but was there still some decent pitching to be plucked from the youngster pile instead? Outlook: Possibly spent too much on a “quick fix”, Porterfield, Busby and Klu won’t be much help in a couple years, but there’s no arguing that “Killer” will compete for more than his share of Mashing titles.

1B 2B CF LF RF SS 3B C SP SP SP SP SP CL	L L R R R R R L R R R R R R	Billy Goodman Hank Thompson Willie Mays Joe Adcock Jim Piersall Gil McDougald Steve Boros* Sammy Taylor* Carl Erskine Stu Miller Don Larsen Ned Garver Vern Law Bob Chakales	IN: RF Felipe Alou OUT: C Joe Ginsberg, CL Ted Abernathy, SS Dick Groat, 1B Ted Kluszewski, C Joe Garagiola, C Frank House Out of Capital* For the third year running, financial constraints prevented the Monuments from adding any free agents; Washington's last Reentry pick was in 1956! The only significant addition to the Monuments is first round Rookie pick Felipe Alou. He should be an impact player in a year or two. Outlook: Mays, Erskine and Miller will continue to keep this team looking alive. But the slow dismantling of the franchise due to a tight financial straitjacket -- Jay Kaplan's enduring legacy, along with four league titles -- may spell the beginning of the end for this once mighty franchise.