1889 Preseason Predictions
The Phillies bandwagon is pretty full these days, and deservedly so after a fine season last year. In my opinion, they have the makings of a dynasty, especially since every other team has some glaring weakness. And in case you think that this potential dynasty was solely built on the 5 fantastic rookies they added last season, think again. They have aging stars such as
George Hall and
Levi Meyerle contributing, but this team has been built over several seasons. It began in 1884 when now-ace and 1888 PoY
Charlie Ferguson was signed, along with slugging catcher
Jack Clements (.244, 21 HR, 100 RBI), first baseman
Henry Larkin (.281, 22 HR, 94 RBI) and fellow starter
Bill Vinton (13-12, 3.32 ERA). And don't forget the addition of shortstop
Lave Cross in 1887 and pitcher
John Clarkson (14-14, 4.12 ERA) in 1882.
Despite what the predictions below say, I believe the Pirates will be the Phillies' biggest challenger this season. They have a solid offense and one of the best pitching staffs around. The Dodgers pitching staff is too big of a question mark to be a serious contender for the pennant. They are a good team and should compete with the likes of Chicago, Cincinnati and San Francisco for 3rd place.
Like the Dodgers, the Giants have a big question mark in the pitching department that will likely sink any pennant hopes they have. But if you are looking for a team to surprise and challenge Pittsburgh for 2nd, or possibly push the Phillies, my money is on the Cubs or Reds. I know I've been saying the Reds have talent for a number of seasons now, but I feel like they are due to break out. I also believe the Cubs grossly underperformed last season. 36-year-old Cubs first baseman
Cap Anson can't have such a poor season again, can he? I think not.
Al Spalding seems to have found the fountain of youth, and the rest of their rotation is young, but talented. So I feel like they will be right back in the mix this year.
MLB results for 1889
Champs: New York Giants, (83-43, .659)
Batting Title: Dan Brouthers, BSN, .373
OPS+: Fred Carroll, PIT, 183
AB/HR: Sam Thompson, PHI, 26.7
RBI: Roger Connor, NYG, 130
Runs: Mike Tiernan, NYG, 147
SB: Jim Fogarty, PHI, 99
ERA+: John Clarkson, BSN, 150
Win%: John Clarkson, BSN, .721
WHIP: John Clarkson, BSN, 1.277
K/9: Tim Keefe, NYG, 5.563
Milestone Watch
Now this is exciting - Chicago's
Ross Barnes is 76 hits away from being the first player to reach 3000 hits! As if Barnes wasn't already a first ballot HOF'er, he will etch his name in the history books this season. Philadelphia's
George Hall is also on pace to reach 2500 hits. Because he has played in Philly, Hall has not gotten the notoriety he deserves. He has a career .304 average, 241 homers, 1015 RBI and he will soon join the 2500 hit club.
Speaking of hits, can Barnes' teammate
Cap Anson get back on track this season? There are several milestones that he is due to reach this season.
3000 hits
Ross Barnes, CHN, Age 37, 2924 hits
2500 hits
George Hall, PHI, Age 38, 2469 hits
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 36, 2315 hits
400 HR
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 36, 398 HR
Jim O'Rourke, ATL, Age 37, 389 HR
Dan Brouthers, SFG, Age 31, 378 HR
1500 RBI
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 36, 1484 RBI
1000 Walks
Bill Crowley, PIT, Age 31, 959 BB
700 SB
Monte Ward, LAD, Age 30, 654 SB
200 wins
Candy Cummings, LAD, Age 37, 191 wins
Tommy Bond, LAD, Age 32, 188 wins
Terry Larkin, SFG, Age 32, 187 wins
3500 strikeouts
Fred Goldsmith, SFG, Age 36, 3452 K's
3000 strikeouts
Tommy Bond, LAD, Age 32, 2994 K's
300 saves
Bill McGunnigle, STL, Age 35, 283 Sv