March 1st, 1870
Let's fast-forward ten years and see where each franchise has been and where they're headed, starting with...
Baltimore Barons
Last season: 70-92, 7th place
Championships: 0
First place finishes: 0
Playoff Appearances: 2 (1861, 1868)
1870 Outlook:
The Barons weren't quite as bad as their record last season, finishing 9 games below their "expected" record of 79-83. This season, they'll be without
2B Frank Ogden, one of the best infielders in the league who was traded to Cincinnati for a pair of young pitchers. If they plan on competing this year, they'll need a huge season from
CF Sam Helm. The 25-year-old Helm led the league with 10 home runs en route to the 1868 Rookie of the Year award. He wasn't quite as good last season, but still hit a solid .288/.356/.428.
To make matters worse, they'll be without their best pitcher,
SP John Burr, who tore a ligament in his elbow last September. They signed 36-year-old
SP Dad Reeves to replace him - Reeves was a very good pitcher a few years ago, but it's unclear how much he has left in the tank.