1911 National League Rookies
Grover Cleveland Alexander, SP, Age 23, Phillies
The lone MLB Hall of Famer on this list, Alexander was a superb pitcher in his heyday. He should make an immediate impact atop Philadelphia's rotation. This team has some talent, and if their bullpen holds up and their offense produces like it should, they could be in the pennant mix. However, their window of opportunity is very small as many of their top players are in their mid-to-late 30's. Alexander should immediately be one of the best pitchers in the NL.
George Burns, LF, Age 21, Giants
Burns will likely jump into the regular lineup in left field, taking over for 34-year-old
Danny Murphy (.274, 26 HR, 83 RBI), who is a second baseman that was forced to move to the outfield in 1907. Burns should make an immediate defensive impact, which the Giants sorely need. He is also a talented batter with a great deal of speed as well.
Claude Hendrix, SP, Age 21, Pirates
The Pirates have long been known for their pitching talent, but that strength has waned in recent seasons as the team ages. The addition of Hendrix, Hank Robinson (below) and
Sherry Smith (4-6-8 ratings) should provide a large boost. Hendrix should be part of the rotation this season.
Hank Robinson, SP, Age 23, Pirates
Along with teammate Hendrix above, Robinson hopes to make an immediate impact on the Pirates pennant hopes with a spot in the once-vaunted rotation. They will likely take the spots of veterans
Sam Leever (11-16, 4.42 ERA, Age 37) and
Jack Pfiester (14-11, 3.82 ERA, Age 32), although
Deacon Phillippe's (12-9, 4.36 ERA, Age 36) rotation spot is in danger as well.
Vic Saier, 1B, Age 19, Cubs
The Cubs already have the top offense in the NL, and they already have 1910 BoY
Fred Luderus (.309, 62 HR, 154 RBI) entrenched at first base. I have no idea how they will get Saier into the regular lineup, but they certainly will want to since he has immense power potential. Man, I am starting to wish I had added the DH.
Hank Severeid, C, Age 19, Reds
The Reds added talented catcher
Tommy Clarke (.212, 4 HR, 33 RBI) just two seasons ago, but he struggled in his sophomore year. Severeid is a little more talented offensively and will likely take on most of the playing time this season. Both backstops are defensive standouts, so the best offensive producer will get the job.
Red Smith, 3B, Age 20, Dodgers
Smith is an all-around good ballplayer. He will provide a slight offensive upgrade over 31-year-old
Emil Batch (.249, 15 HR, 75 RBI) at third base. Smith also plays better defense and has more speed. He should help an offense that was once the laughing stock of the NL but has shown much improvement recently. They scored just 24 fewer runs than the 2nd best offense from Cincinnati last season. Now, if only their pitching can improve.
Fred Toney, SP, Age 22, Cubs
The Cubs have honestly been known for their dominant offenses for their entire 35-year existence. They have also been known for perpetually getting by with little pitching help. The addition of Toney and fellow rookie
Larry Cheney (7-6-5 ratings) just might separate the defending NL champions from the rest of the contenders this season. Toney will almost certainly replace
Bob Rhoads (17-12, 4.77 ERA) in the rotation. Cheney may be best suited for the bullpen, but expect the team to move him to the rotation quickly if the inconsistent
Frank Corridon (10-15, 3.61 ERA) or
Carl Lundgren (17-10, 2.97 ERA), both now 30 years old, show any signs of slumping after fine bounce-back performances last season.
