1917 National League Rookies
Hod Eller, SP, Age 22, Reds
Eller gives the Reds pitching staff the boost it needed. As some of their veteran stars are fading away, the team needs to stay young and they have done that this offseason. Eller will likely begin the season as the #2 starter. Now the team just needs to add some more offense.
Jakie May, SP, Age 21, Cardinals
The Cardinals have been in need of pitching for several seasons now. May should help them improve in that area. The only knock on May is his occasional lack of control, but he throws hard and can limit the damage from walks by holding hitters to a low batting average and by allowing fewer home runs than most pitchers.
Herman Pillette, SP, Age 21, Reds
Pillette joins Hod Eller (above) as a rookie in this season's starting rotation in Cincinnati. The two pitchers should help provide the Reds with one of the best rotations in the NL this season. The team finished in 3rd place at 84-78 last season, and they hope that the pitching additions help them win the pennant this year.
Elmer Ponder, SP, Age 23, Pirates
The Pirates pitching rotation will be tough to crack, but Ponder just may have the stuff to do that as a 5th starter this year. If not, he will certainly earn a spot in the bullpen where he can wait for his shot at starting. After a very disappointing 1916 season that saw the Pirates lose 93 games, they hope to get back on track this season.
Dutch Ruether, SP, Age 23, Cubs
Ruether is just what the Cubs and their prolific offense needs - additional pitching help. Ruether should begin the season as the team's #3 starter. He is known for allowing few home runs, which will be tested in hitter-friendly Wrigley Field. Chicago expects Ruether to be a big contributor this season. They also believe that an improved pitching staff will help them to win their first pennant in five years after faltering down the stretch last season and losing the pennant in a 1-game playoff to San Francisco.
Ross Youngs, RF, Age 19, Giants
Speaking of San Francisco, they have added another top notch outfielder in Ross Youngs. This provides the team with a tough decision to make as they try to find Youngs a place to play. However, he should be a top offensive producer for a team that already had the best offense in the NL last season.
