[Dukie98]

After their late season-swoon, the Cleveland Naps' management decided to shake up the roster. They unloaded several starters, while still maintaining their core; they also explored a potential blockbuster deal for star third baseman Bill Bradley, as they feared the onset of a gradual decline, but they were unable to make a deal.

Shortly after the season ended, they traded #4 starter Carl Lundgren, who went 38-44 in the past three years, was sent to Washington for youthful infielder Jim Mullin, who struggled in limited playing time. Next, they unloaded leadoff hitter Harry Bay and lefty junkballer Otto Hess, whose role was sharply curtailed in 1905, to Brooklyn in exchange for centerfielder Cozy Dolan and reliever Bucky Veil. While Dolan has less offensive upside than Bay, he offers superior defense. Finally, they shipped catcher Harry Bemis to the Chicago White Sox for toolsy outfielder Bris Lord, who struggled to hit as a rookie.

In the draft, the Naps were stunned to see pitcher Babe Adams slip to them at the #12 overall pick. They expect Adams to challenge for a spot in the rotation by 1907. In subsequent rounds, they selected third baseman Joe Ward, catcher Boss Schmidt, reliever Jim Moroney, and outfielders Ben Caffyn and Jack Cameron. The St. Louis Cardinals selected infielder Eddie Collins with the #1 overall pick. There was a sharp dropoff to the #2 pick, as the Washington Senators took unheralded pitcher Fred Beebe, and the disappointing Detroit Tigers selected shortstop/ first baseman Dave Altizer with the #3 overall pick.