1926 National League Rookies
Joe Cronin, SS, Age 19, Pirates
The Pirates made two major improvements to their lineup with the addition of MLB Hall of Famers
Joe Cronin and
Paul Waner. Waner will bat leadoff this season. He should hit for a high average and generate a high OBP, and he will hit his share of doubles. Unfortunately, he does not have much speed or home run power to speak of. He plays solid, but unspectacular defense. Cronin is a more well rounded hitter. He will hit for a lower average but his OBP may be similar to Waner's due to his ability to draw walks. Cronin also has double and home run power. Like Waner though, he has below average speed yet he plays above average defense.
Paul Waner, RF, Age 22, Pirates
Bunny Hearn, MR, Age 21, Braves
Hearn will have some control issues, but for the most part he has the talent to be an exceptional reliever. He will be the setup man to one of the best closers in MLHR in
Garland Braxton (2-4, 33 Sv, 1.56 ERA). Braxton is just 25 years old, so these two should be shutting down opposing defenses together for many years to come. Now, if Atlanta can just get a lead into the 7th or 8th inning.
Babe Herman, RF, Age 22, Dodgers
Herman is a talented batter who joins an aging lineup in need of a tune up. Veterans like 32-year-old
Hack Miller (.281, 24 HR, 77 RBI) and 37-year-old
Zack Wheat (.247, 36 HR, 93 RBI) have lost a step in recent years, not to mention the fact that their defensive range has gotten pretty poor. For the sake of injecting some extra offense into the lineup, Herman will play first base this season. However, you can expect him to eventually move to the outfield, perhaps when Wheat retires, unless the team lands a young outfielder who is better defensively than Herman.
Mel Ott, RF, Age 16, Giants
Yeah, the Giants' roster is pretty unbelievable. Almost their entire bench would be starters on any other team. Now enter Ott, another MLB Hall of Famer, this one with over 500 MLB home runs on his resume. However, due to the makeup of this team, Ott will be forced into duty at third base. That will hurt an already weak defense initially, but it should pay off in the long run. And yes, he really is 16... although he turns 17 before the season starts. Imagine the numbers he will put up over a long career!
Denny Sothern, CF, Age 21, Phillies
The Phillies were in desperate need of more offense, but also some improved outfield defense. In steps Sothern, who fits both requirements. He will bat 2nd for the Phils and should steal 20+ bases. He will also provide excellent outfield defense.
Johnny Welch, SP, Age 19, Cubs
The Cubs have developed what has become perhaps the best pitching staff in the NL. They are good enough that a talented young pitcher like Welch begins his career in the bullpen. He has the makeup to be very successful there, although Chicago already had a great bullpen that led the NL with a 2.27 ERA last season.
Johnny Wertz, SP, Age 24, Braves
Wertz does not have overpowering stuff, but he has good control and he keeps the ball in the park. He will help improve an Atlanta pitching rotation that used to be a strength but struggled last season.
