1901 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW
(Report Date - 3/2/01)
LEAGUE PREVIEW
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1900 STANDINGS
American League Eastern Division
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec
Boston Red Sox 97 65 .599 - 101-61
New York (A) Yankees 80 82 .494 17.0 78-84
Toronto Blue Jays 77 85 .475 20.0 78-84
Baltimore Orioles 70 92 .432 27.0 79-83
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 70 92 .432 27.0 70-92
Team To Watch: Boston Red Sox
- Tough to pick against the team that won the ALCS last year, the Red Sox. While they were quiet on the FA market this off-season, they didn't lose any major players either, and really solidified the AL's already best pitching staff, adding 2 studs in the draft in Dummy Taylor & Jack Bracken, who join the already impressive staff featuring reigning AL CY Young winner Karl Holland & 18 game winner Alvar Marhez. Their lineup is anchored by AL ROY, 1b Tony Hopper who should improve on last year's .303, 39, 124 in his 2nd season.
Pitcher To Watch: CL Chris "Grasshopper" Denby (TOR)
- Denby had a big off-season this year and really improved alot in his ratings. He was decent last year for Toronto, going 2-4 with 35 saves in 53 g and a 3.26 era. But with a huge off-season program, his ratings are downright scary good now. At only 23 yo, The Grasshopper might be the best closer in baseball with 20/17/19 ratings and a 95 mph fastball. Look for him toe vastly improve on last season's stats and be an All-Star in the AL this season.
Hitter To Watch: RF Ron Cronshaw (TB)
- Coming off a season inwhich he hit .276 with 33 hr and 91 rbi, Cronshaw is looking to improve those numbers dramatically this season for Tampa Bay. At 26 yo, his ratings finally have reacher their full potential and the 16/20 contact & 19/20 power bode for much better stats this season. His biggest downfall last season might have been the strikeout with 105 in 594 ab, but with a big improvement this off-season, his eye has greatly improved which should really improve both his avg & ops.
Rookie To Watch: SP Dummy Taylor (BOS)
- Taylor was the 7th overall pick in the draft and looks like a sure bet star in the MLB. At 26 yo, he's older than your average rookie, and will be making the jump directly to the majors, starting the season penciled in as Boston's #4 SP. With the talented rotation he's on, he won't feel the pressure of some of his fellow rookies and that should help him succeed early on. With solid ratings now (4/20/12) and great potential (6/20/14), Dummy should be a force in the majors for a long time.
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1900 STANDINGS
American League Central Division
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec
Detroit Tigers 94 68 .580 - 95-67
Minnesota Twins 79 83 .488 15.0 80-82
Cleveland Indians 74 88 .457 20.0 68-94
Kansas City Royals 71 91 .438 23.0 67-95
Chicago (A) White Sox 68 94 .420 26.0 68-94
Team To Watch: Cleveland Indians
- The Indians knew that had to improve their team this off-season to make up the 20 game difference between them and the Tigers and they did their best with some very keen moves. In November, they signed All-Star SS Jack "Zoom Zoom" McGowan away from Philly with a big 2 yr deal, adding his .305, 25, 109 to a lineup already featuring 2 40-hr players. Then in December, they had a great draft, giving McGowan an All-Star caliber partner at 2b in Erve Beck and adding 2 quality SPs in Snake Wiltse & Archie Stimmel, both of which will immediately crack the starting rotation. It might not be enough to make up 20 games, but it should definitely shorten the gap between them and Detroit.
Pitcher To Watch: SP Mamo "The Rat" Kirop (CHA)
- Kirop is the game's best "power" pitcher and reigning strikeout king with an impressive 294 to only 43 walks last year. He also went 18-10 despite a high 4.09 era, all while playing on one of the AL's worst teams. The White Sox added 2 pitchers in the draft, but The Rat is still their ace. The 36yo Lesothoan still has gaudy ratings of 16/13/17 with a 93mph fastball and 15/20 endurance depite getting up their in years. Expect another big season from Mamo, and look for him to improve in the win and era columns.
Hitter To Watch: RF Joe McMurrich (DET)
- McMurrich was the AL Central's player to watch last pre-season, and after a year of .312, 38 hr, 120 rbi, 110 runs, 33 sb, he is still the division's hitter to watch. At 27 yo, he has exceeded his potential ratings, especially in HR power, where his current rating of 19/20 is much higher than his potential 15/20. The AL All-Star RF will be looking to duplicate his impressive all around season and lead Detroit to the Central pennant for the 2nd straight season.
Newcomer To Watch: SP Rube Foster (CHA)
- The 3rd overall pick in the draft is wasting no time getting his feet wet, as he is jumping right into the fire as the White Sox #2 starting pitcher. Rube has already reached his full potential ratings at the tender age of 21, with numbers of 5/20/14. Expect him to give the pen a rest everytime he takes the hill as well with a perfect 20/20 in endurance. Foster mixes in 3 pitches with a solid 92 mph fastball and has all the makings of a 20 game winner in the bigs.
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1900 STANDINGS
American League Western Division
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec
Los Angeles (A) Angels 105 57 .648 - 103-59
Texas Rangers 93 69 .574 12.0 86-76
Seattle Mariners 89 73 .549 16.0 95-67
Oakland Athletics 67 95 .414 38.0 70-92
Team To Watch: Los Angeles Angels
- Despite a disappointing showing in the playoffs, the Angels were the best team in baseball last tear and this year's choice for the Team to Watch in the AL West. The made no moves other than the selection of HS speedy CF Chet Fibbin with the last pick in the draft, but they return their team intact from last season. That team includes reigning AL MVP, 2b Jorge Balcorta, a pair of OFs who topped 130 RBI in Trewin & Alviar, the AL leader in ERA & 18 game winner John Clinkscales & 20 game winner Jesus Garcia anchoring the staff and solid closer Maldonado ending games. All that being said, the Angels are the favorites to repeat as division champs.
Pitcher To Watch: SP Ed "Meter Man" Hughes (TEX)
- Hughes had a disappointing 1900 season, going 17-11 but with a high 4.32 era and 1.33 whip. Expect him to crush those numbers this season, as The Meter Man worked hard this off-season and really improved his game. With ratings of 14/18/17, he has topped out his talents and with a 94 mph fastball, he should easily get to the 20 win plateau this year and can lower his era by as much as 1.00. He struggled the first half last season, and missed making the All-Star team, so he is focused on starting strong to get that honor this year.
Hitter To Watch: 2b Jorge Balcorta (ANA)
- All Balcorta did last year was lead the AL with a .335 avg while becoming a 40/40 man with 42 hr & 41 sb enroute to the AL MVP. At 30 yo, his ratings might not be as high as some of the other division top hitters, but why pick against the reigning MVP when selecting a hitter to watch. With alot of protection in the lineup of the Angels, Balcorta does not have to worry about being pitched around in the 3 hole, and should be able to come close to duplicating last season's 40/40 season.
Rookie To Watch: RF Socks Seybold (SEA)
- Seattle might have gotten the steal of the draft as Seybold fell into their laps at #23. The Mariners have so much confidence in this 30 yo rookie that the day after selecting him they traded away AL RBI leader Victoriano Marrou because they both play RF and Seattle wanted Socks to be the man out there for them. Already slated as their cleanup hitter, Socks should hit for both a high avg and drive in plenty of runs while hitting a fair share of HR. With a 16/20 contact, 8/20 power and 15/20 speed, Socks' project numbers this season are .315 with 18 hr. And stepping in for Marrou in the cleanup spot, he already is being counted on to drive in 120+.
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1900 STANDINGS
National League Eastern Division
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec
Atlanta Braves 96 66 .593 - 94-68 - Champs
New York (N) Mets 79 83 .488 17.0 83-79
Washington Nationals 78 84 .481 18.0 79-83
Florida Marlins 77 85 .475 19.0 73-89
Philadelphia Phillies 60 102 .370 36.0 68-94
Team To Watch: Atlanta Braves
- It's tough for the World Series champs to improve their team in the off-season...they already are the League Champs. But the Braves certainly did that when they gave All-Star 2b George Boutte the richest contract in baseball, signing him to a 5 yr/80.5 mil contract away from the Pirates. Boutte was the Braves only major addition in the off-season, but adding his .325, 44 hr, 118 rbi to a lineup featuring .318, 52 hr, 133 rbi Dave DeWarrenne & .315, 35 hr, 149 rbi Jesus Manririques give Atlanta the best 3-4-5 in baseball and a good chance to repeat as WS Champs.
Pitcher To Watch: SP Mike Ohler (NYM)
- Ohler finished last year with a 21-8 record, 2.62 era, 1.09 whip & 230 k in 234.0 ip. And he's going to get MUCH better. At 24 yo, he has finally reached his full potential ratings of 15/15/15, making Ohler one of the most evenly dominating pitchers in the majors. Only topping out at 88 mph doesn't hurt the tall righty because he throws all 3 of his pitches in any count. Last year he won over 25% of the Mets total games, so NY needs to get him some more help, but everytime Ohler takes the mound, they expect to win.
Hitter To Watch: 3b George Boutte (ATL)
- As stated above, Boutte signed the biggest contract in MLB this off-season and moved to 3b in the process (hmmm...AROD?). On the Pirates last year, he produced very big stats...but was the biggest threat in their lineup. This year, batting inbetween 2 superstars who had monster years of their own last year, Boutte will be more comfortable and should produce even bigger numbers himself. Improving on .325, 44 hr, 118 rbi, 129 runs will be difficult...but with Atlanta dishing out over $16 million a year for George, they are expecting them to improve.
Rookie To Watch: SP Christy "Big Six" Mathewson (PHIL)
- Christy was the easy 1st choice in the draft by baseball's worst team last year. He immediately became the face of the Philly franchise. The 20yo youngster is a homegrown boy out of Factoryville, PA. His ratings are stellar even at his young age (9/20/14). Scouts say "he could be one of the greatest pitchers of all-time" about him. Nothing like pressure. But Big Six is ready for the challenge and will take the ball on opening day, trying to turn around the Phillies.
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1900 STANDINGS
National League Central Division
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec
Cincinnati Reds 86 76 .531 - 86-76
Pittsburgh Pirates 80 82 .494 6.0 77-85
Milwaukee Brewers 79 83 .488 7.0 83-79
Houston Astros 75 87 .463 11.0 72-90
St. Louis Cardinals 74 88 .457 12.0 76-86
Chicago (N) Cubs 73 89 .451 13.0 75-87
Team To Watch: Pittsburgh Pirates
- The Pirates only finished 6 games behind Cincy last year, and after losing their Star George Boutte in free agency, thought around Pitt was UH HUH!, TROUBLE! But then the Pirates front office got on the phone and got busy. Yes, they lost Boutte. But they added alot. Starting with the FA signings of CF Greg Tripp (.276, 16 hr, 39 sb, 125 runs) & 3B Feliciano Delosangeles (.310, 22 hr, 102 rbi). Then the draft, picking up 3B Sammy Strang (who will move Delosangeles to 2b) & 1B Kitty Bransfield, they added 4 everyday starters for 1. Pitching will be the big question as they lack any real stars on the hill, but they might have added just enough to overcome last year's 6 game gap.
Pitcher To Watch: SP CJ "Madman" Earp (CIN)
- The NL Cy Young winner last year finished 20-8 with an NL best 2.56 era. His most impressive stat line though was a 277 k/22 bb ratio. And he got better. At 23 yo, his control has improved from a 19 to 20 rating, making it very concievable that he could improve on his K to BB ratio...watch out NL Central! He was rewarded for his great season last year with a 2 yr/15 m extension and he plans on giving the Reds every penny worth on their investment.
Hitter To Watch: LF Xavier Delaluz (CIN)
- The 24yo native of El Salvador is one of the games premier contact hitters. Last year was a bit disappointing, hitting .304 with 28 hr & 98 rbi, but Xavier is sure to improve on those numbers if his ratings are any indication. 18/20 in contact, 14/20 in power and 15/20 in eye, plus 12/20 in speed, he is an ideal #3 linedrive hitter who will hit his 20-30 hr. The Reds are built around pitching, that's how they won the Central last year, but with Delaluz only 24yo, their offense might soon be as potent making them an even more dangerous club.
Rookie To Watch: C Roger "The Duke of Tralee" Bresnahan (CHN)
- Roger was the 8th overall pick in the draft, possibly a stretch, but finding a catcher with his potential is difficult in baseball. Currently projected to start the season in the minors at Orem, it won't be long til he's starting behind the plate at Wrigley for the Cubs. With a 20,20 defensive rating and arm, he is a gold glove catcher in the making. He also has the potential to be an above avg hitter with a 14/20 contact and 17/20 eye, although he lacks any real HR power. At only 21 yo, a start in the minors might be for the best, but expect to see "The Duke" at the NL All-Star game in the near future.
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1900 STANDINGS
National League Western Division
Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec
Arizona Diamondbacks 104 58 .642 - 100-62
Los Angeles (N) Dodgers 98 64 .605 6.0 91-71
San Francisco Giants 84 78 .519 20.0 82-80
Colorado Rockies 83 79 .512 21.0 82-80
San Diego Padres 70 92 .432 34.0 74-88
Team To Watch: Arizona Diamondbacks
- Arizona finished with the best record in the NL and return the team intact with a few additions. The 1-2 MVP dualing 3b Incendio Ondarza/1b Sexto Lopez return to the heart of the lineup. Joining them will be SS/3b leadoff man, Martin Hobden, who was obtained in a trade w/ Seattle in a basica sign and deal of 1b Jeremias Arrisola. Their only other major off-season moves came via the draft, where they used their 1st 3 picks on slugging HS outfielders, showing their big preference for hitting over pitching, which is still the major concern in the desert. But their lack of quality pitchers didn't stop them from winning 104 last year, and shouldn't this year either.
Pitcher To Watch: SP John Danford (LA)
- Teammate Bembe Garcia won 23, Cincy CJ Earp won the CY Young...Danford might be best of the bunch. The 21 yo hard thrower has reached his peak and is sure to improve on last year's 19-9, 2.80 era, 266 k in 263.1 ip season. 14/14/17 ratings, he is a control pitcher at heart, but a 95 mph heater makes hitters think otherwise. The Dodgers are high enough on him that they are giving him the ball on opening day over the 23 game winner Garcia...that should tell you all you need to know about Danford.
Hitter To Watch: 1b Sexto Lopez (ARIZ)
- The NL West is not happy. At 21 yo, Lopez led the league in avg (.378) & rbi (171) and added in 48 hr & 132 runs and was in the hunt for the NL triple crown thru August. And then the MLB handed his teammate Ondarza the MVP award, essentially giving Lopez a chip on his shoulder and wanting to improve on last year's stats so there's no doubt on who's the MVP in 1901. 17/20 in contact, 18/20 in power, 15/20 in eye, Lopez is the complete package at the plate, and now 22 yo, he is still getting better.
Rookie To Watch: SP Sugimoto "Blitz" Hino (SD)
- A shock at #6, the Padres took the unknown 22yo Japanese import over such known pitchers as Dummy Taylor, Case Patten, Roy Patterson & Mal Eason, as well as many others. Were they foolish, or geniuses? Moto will get the ball on opening day for the Padres and is maxed out already at 22yo in his ratings (11/16/12). He doesn't have the control or movement of the more-known draft picks, but his has far better stuff...so it will be interesting to see how the different type of pitchers produce. Blitz could either turn out to be the first major bust in the 1st amateur draft, or SD could turn out smelling like roses if he is as good as they think.