1890 Preseason Predictions
Despite last season's results, the Phillies are still the team to beat. They have the talent to win the pennant for several years, if they perform up to expectations. RoY
Sadie McMahon made a big impact on the Dodgers rotation last season. His presence elevated a weak rotation, and that rotation is what will likely give L.A. the edge as Philly's top rival this season. With the addition of
Jake Stenzel further strengthening the Cubs offense, Chicago should be right on the Dodgers and Phillies heels all season.
The Pirates lead the second tier of teams. If their pitching staff improves on last season's performance, they may find themselves in the heat of the pennant race. The Reds and Giants are right behind. I refuse to sing Cincinnati's praises after being let down yet again last year, but they are a talented club that no one wants to play. The Giants may have the best offense around. If their pitching staff can find the fountain of youth, they may be more competitive than expected, but that is unlikely.
The Braves and Cardinals may be the least talented teams right now, but a lot of eyes will be on those teams after they added HOF pitchers
Kid Nichols and
Cy Young respectively.
MLB results for 1890
Champs: Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers), (86-43, .667)
Batting Title: Jack Glasscock, NYG, .336
OPS+: Mike Tiernan, NYG, 160
AB/HR: Oyster Burns, BRO, 36.3
RBI: Oyster Burns, BRO, 128
Runs: Mike Tiernan, NYG, 104
SB: Billy Hamilton, PHI, 102
ERA+: Billy Rhines, CIN, 186 (rookie season!)
Win%: Tom Lovett, BRO, .732
WHIP: Billy Rhines, CIN, 1.121 (rookie season!)
K/9: Amos Rusie, NYG, 5.594
Milestone Watch
2500 hits
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 37, 2440 hits
400 HR
Roger Connor, SFG, 388 HR
John O'Rourke, ATL, 373 HR
1500 Runs
Ross Barnes, CHN, Age 38, 1462 R
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 37, 1433 R
1000 Walks
Bill Crowley, PIT, Age 32, 973 BB
Jim O'Rourke, ATL, Age 38, 920 BB
Hardy Richardson, STL, Age 35, 902 BB
700 SB
Monte Ward, LAD, Age 31, 684 SB
250 Wins
Al Spalding, CHN, Age 38, 235 Wins
200 wins
Terry Larkin, SFG, Age 33, 196 Wins
Candy Cummings, LAD, Age 38, 192 Wins
Fred Goldsmith, SFG, Age 37, 190 Wins
Pud Galvin, STL, Age 33, 185 Wins
3000 strikeouts
Terry Larkin, SFG, Age 33, 2974 K's