1902 AL Preseason Predictions
The Twins won the very first American League pennant, and many expect them to repeat again this season. They have the best offense in the league, led by BoY
Tim Jordan (.292, 40 HR, 112 RBI) at first base. They added a rookie catcher in
Lew Drill, who they hope will provide some solid offense, and perhaps average defense. The team also has a dependable pitching staff and good defense.
That said, the Tigers, Athletics and Indians will be hot on their tails. The Indians made major upgrades to their pitching staff, led by rookie
Addie Joss (7-6-9 ratings). Fellow rookies
Otto Hess (6-6-6 ratings),
Charlie Smith (6-6-6 ratings) and
Gus Dorner (6-6-5 ratings) give the team four rookies in the starting rotation! They join 24-year-old
Earl Moore (9-13, 2.77 ERA). This team certainly has the arms needed to compete, but the big question will be whether or not their offense handles their end of the bargain.
That Indians offense will be sporting three rookies of its own.
Peaches Graham takes over catching duties. He hits for average and draws plenty of walks but has minimal power, so the team plans to bat him second in the lineup. Unfortunately, his defense is below average.
Harry Bemis, who primarily played catcher is semi-pro ball, will start at first base. He should provide average offensive output, but his defense may also be a liability. Finally,
"Bullet Jack" Thoney takes over in left field. He is also an average offensive player, but he plays superb defense and could have the best range of any left fielder in the league.
Meanwhile, rookies
Tom Walker (7-6-6 ratings) and
Andy Coakley (6-6-6 ratings) join an already solid Athletics rotation. Former starters
Wiley Piatt (12-13, 3.84 ERA) and
Snake Wiltse (10-13, 4.33 ERA) move to the bullpen role to upgrade the closer and setup roles respectively.
Not to be out done, the Tigers also added new young arms to their pitching staff.
George Mullin (6-6-5 ratings) and
Wish Egan (4-6-7 ratings) take over the #4 and #5 spots in the rotation, while fellow rookie
Rube Kisinger (5-7-6 ratings) will be their new closer. The team also added a solid new second baseman in
Harry Arndt. He is not a standout, but he should put up average offensive numbers with 15-HR power while playing adequate defense.
The Red Sox, who most believe underperformed last season, made some upgrades to their bullpen in the offseason. Their biggest acquisition though was left fielder
Patsy Dougherty (6-5-4-6-6 ratings), who could be the top offensive rookie in the league this season.
Predicted Standings
(Scale of 1-12)
| Rank | Team | Rotation | Bullpen | Offense | Bench | Speed | Defense | Totals | Grade |
| 1 | Minnesota Twins | 6 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 6.7 | B |
| 2a | Detroit Tigers | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 6.6 | B |
| 2b | Oakland Athletics | 9 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.6 | B |
| 4 | Cleveland Indians | 10 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 6.5 | B |
| 5 | Boston Red Sox | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 6.3 | B- |
| 6 | Chicago White Sox | 7 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 | B- |
| 7 | Baltimore Orioles | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5.6 | C+ |
| 8 | New York Yankees | 5 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4.6 | C- |
MLB results for the AL in 1902
Champs: Philadelphia Athletics, (83-53, .610)
Batting Title: Nap Lajoie, PHA (OAK) and CLE, .378
OPS+: Ed Delahanty, WSH (MIN), 187
AB/HR: Socks Seybold, PHA (OAK), 32.6
RBI: Buck Freeman, BOS, 121
Runs: Topsy Hartsel and Dave Fultz, both from PHA (OAK), 109
SB: Topsy Hartsel, PHA (OAK), 47
ERA+: Ed Siever, DET, 195
Win%: Bill Bernhard, PHA (OAK) and CLE, .774
WHIP: Bill Bernhard, PHA (OAK) and CLE, 0.942
K/9: Rube Waddell, PHA (OAK), 6.840