90 Could Be Magic Number Just One More Win
Astros scout Holly McLemore reports in the Baytown Sun that Houston needs one more win in every two weeks to clinch the Western Division title. The byline HMfh indicates the dictation by McLemore preserved by Hartman.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Houston Astros
Holly McLemore
Baytown Sun
Fred Hartman
Hm-Fh
Astros
Houston
Astrodome
San Francisco Giants
Californians
Los Angeles
Giants
Dodgers
Could Be Best Ever Infield Positions Set
Houston fans can breathe easy as all four infield positions are set for 1972. After trades bringing Lee May and Tommy Helms, Houston's infield will line up May at first base Helms at second Metzger at short and Rader at third.
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Lee
Tommy
Roger
Doug
COCOA
Houston
Astros
Lee May
Tommy Helms
May
Helms
Roger Metzger
Doug Rader
Metzger
Rader
Cincinnati
Reds
Ange
Jimmy Stewart
Robert Fenwick
San Francisco
Stanley Papi
Ray Busse
Stewart
Fenwick
Phoenix
Papi
Busse
Oklahoma City
Dave Roberts
Larry Dierker
Jim Wynn
Joe Morgan
Wynn
Lefty Makes Pitching Even Stronger In 72
Houston's off season pitching acquisitions bolster a staff that already posted a club record 3.13 ERA in 1971. Frontline arms Dierker Wilson Forsch Roberts headline a deep rotation, with Griffon Spinks Richard Blasingame battling for the fifth spot. Helms May Rader Metzger provide strong defense and speed in the infield as Houston eyes a winning 1972 season.
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Lefty
COCOA
Houston
Astros
Los Angeles
Dave Roberts
Jim York
Lance Clemons
Larry Dierker
Don Wilson
Ken Forsch
Dierker
Wilson
Forsch
Roberts
San Diego
Astro Backstop Corps Has Talent Throughout
Houston Astros catchers bring offense youth and versatility but no single standout. Edwards leads with defense and should start opening day in Cincinnati though his hitting weakened last year. Hiatt Howard and Stinson each offer value with Stinson and Howard able to play outfield. Three or four catchers could make the club with Edwards the favorite. The Astros aim for contending season if health and timely hitting align.
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COCOA
Houston Astros
Harry Walker
John Edwards
Jack Hiatt
Bob Stinson
Larry Howard
Stinson
Howard
Astros
Edwards
Cincinnati
Walker
Hiatt
Houston
Montreal
Chicago Cubs
Marty Martinez
St. Louis Cardinals
Wynn's Hitting Key Question Outfield A Bright Spot With Plenty Of Speed Plus Power
COCOA Sp Speed, power and defense anchor the 1972 Astros outfield with Watson, Cedeno and Wynn as starters. Wynn's batting form remains the unknown while Cedeno led last season in hits and RBIs. Watson returns from reserve duty and Chiles Miller Alou and Stewart add depth. Manager Walker projects a strong outfield capable of 75 homers from the trio. Wynn must rise to drive the offense.
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Wynn
Cocoa
Houston Astros
Jim Wynn
Bob Watson
Cesar Cedeno
Norm Miller
Jesus Alou
Rich Chiles
Jimmy Stewart
Watson
Astro
Harry Walker
Walker
Jim
Cedeno
Stewart
Houston
Cincinnati
Reds
Chiles
Miller
Alou
Astros
Also Mentioned on This Page
Padres
Tom Griffin
Scipio Spinks
James Rodney Richard
Wade Blasingame
Griffin
Jeannette
Astro Backstop Corps
Jim Ray
Aim York
Fred Gladding
George Culver
Itro
Bev