Offseason Dealing - AL East

It was the winter of content for the Baltimore Orioles, who did not do any dealing in the 1969-70 offseason. And who could argue with them after posting 116 wins in the regular season before being upset by Minnesota in the ALCS.

On the other hand, Cleveland cannot be blamed for trying as they added nine players and lost nine players in deals with five separate teams after a last place finish. The biggest deal was a 4 for 2 deal with the Twins, as the Indians added starting pitcher Dean Chance and swingman Bob Miller, plus a pair of young position players in outfielder Ted Uhlaender and slugging third baseman/outfielder Graig Nettles. The Northeners took a chance on a couple of arms looking for rebound years in Luis Tiant and Stan Williams.

The Tribe also swapped outfielders with the Cardinals, getting Vada Pinson for Jose Cardenal. Washington also consummated a deal that gave Cleveland reliever Dennis Higgins and southpaw starter Barry Moore in return for utility infielder Dave Nelson and relievers Horacio Pena and Ron Law. A single player deal sent minor league pitcher Steve Mingori to Cincinnati for outfielder Jay Ward. Finally, outfielder Roy Foster and infielder Frank Coggins was swapped with Milwaukee this spring for third baseman Max Alvis and ouufielder Russ Snyder.

The rest of the division was busy shifting around marginal players. Boston picked up a starter from the White Sox as they traded infielder Syd O'Brien for Gary Peters and catcher Don Pavletich. A swap of infielders with Detroit brought Tom Matchick to Beantown, while Dalton Jones headed to the Motor City. The Red Sox also released veteran reliever Ron Kline and sent catcher Russ Gibson to the Giants for cash considerations.

In addition to swapping for Jones, Detroit landed reliever Jerry Robertson from Montreal in exchange for Joe Sparma. Joe Niekro should provide better depth in the rotation, coming in for San Diego for Pat Dobson and utility infielder Dave Campbell. The Tigers also gave veteran shortstop Tom Tresh a pink slip.

The Yankees seemed to be busy acquiring as many first baseman as possible. A deal with the Astros swapped first sacker/catcher Curt Blefary while shipping out Joe Pepitone. Danny Cater was brought in from Oakland for pitcher Al Downing and catcher Frank Fernandez. Lefty swinging Pete Ward was obtained from the White Sox for a minor leaguer. Rick Bladt was sent over by the Cubs to complete a September deal involving Jimmie Hall.

Finally, Washington joined the Indians with a high turnover rate. Besides the three players obtained from Cleveland, southpaw starter George Brunet arrived from Milwaukee while reliever Dave Baldwin headed to Wisconsin. John Roseboro was signed as a free agent to help with the catching duties. A swap with Minnesota netted lefty reliever Joe Grzenda for outfielder Brant Alyea. Utiilty infielder Zoilo Versalles finds himself unemployed after receiving his release from the Senators.