1882 Rookies
Bid McPhee, 2B, Reds, Age 23
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CON: 6
GAP: 5
POW: 4
EYE: 8
DEF: 10
SPD: 8
Although some of his ratings don't look all that impressive, McPhee is a MLB Hall of Famer, so he deserves to be mentioned. He was reknowned for playing stellar defense while gloveless and was the last second baseman in MLB to play gloveless. That defensive skill, as well as his speed will be his biggest strength in MLBR as well. The question is, can he hit enough and win enough Gold Gloves to one day make our HOF?
Dasher Troy was an upgrade at second for the Reds as a rookie last season. He played admirably (.242, 52 RBI) but McPhee is a better hitter, fielder and baserunner so Troy will be relegated to the bench.
Fred Pfeffer, 2B, Giants, Age 22
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CON: 5
GAP: 5
POW: 7
EYE: 7
DEF: 10
SPD: 7
One of the finest defensive second basemen of his day, Pfeffer played most of his MLB career with the Cubs. Fortunately for him, he played one MLB season with Troy before moving to the Cubs. Because of that, he will play for the Giants in MLHR. That's good news for Pfeffer - because he does not have to waste away behind
Ross Barnes in Chicago - and for the Giants - because they need additional offensive upgrades behind their Big Three. Pfeffer's known for his glove, but he hits for power as well. That is what makes him an intriguing addition to the Giants lineup.
Pete Browning, CF, Pirates, Age 22
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CON: 9
GAP: 7
POW: 6
EYE: 8
DEF: 5
SPD: 6
This is certainly what the Pirates were hoping for this offseason - the signing of an impact bat to help improve their floundering offense. Browning will likely slip into left field, nudging
Bill Crowley to right field and sending aging
Orator Shafer to the bench. Browning should immediately be in the batting title mix, hitting over .300 and batting 3rd in the Pittsburgh lineup.
Charlie Buffinton, SP, Braves, Age 21
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STUFF: 7
MVMT: 6
CTRL: 6
STAM: 8
DEF: 10
The Braves keep adding pitching to their roster (sounds familiar, yes?) in lieu of any offensive help. Buffinton will make a strong addition to their rotation, and also strengthen their bullpen at the same time as either
Joe Borden or
Dick McBride move there to open up a rotation spot.
John Clarkson, SP, Phillies, Age 21
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STUFF: 8
MVMT: 5
CTRL: 6
STAM: 9
DEF: 10
The Dodgers may disagree, but I don't think any team needs some new talent more than the cellar-dwelling Phillies, who finished in last place for three consecutive years from 1878-1880 before L.A. did them a favor and sucked worse last season. The Phillies may have avoided last place in 1881, but they still lost 101 games. The team's biggest weakness was a league-worst pitching staff, so Clarkson's addition will be a big help. He will immediately move to the #1 spot in the rotation. At the time of his MLB retirement, Clarkson was the winningest pitcher in its brief history. He'll have a tough time repeating that until Philly makes improvements in several other key areas.