Just one of my managerial counterparts lost their job at the end of last season, with Jason Rohrbaugh cut by the Browns and later replaced by former Reds skipper Jimmy Bertolette.
A host of big names lost to retirement, with Mordecai Brown undoubtedly the biggest surprise, given he was just 36 and had a fantastic 1912 campaign. Two of our former players – Jack Chesbro and Cy Young – were also among them.
The FA / trade market has been relatively quiet; here are the signings of note:
- OF Tommy Leach: White Sox, 3 years / $10500
- OF Solly Hofman: Naps, 2 years / $5280 (re-sign)
- P Lave Winham: A’s, 2 years / $4440
- 3B Kid Elberfeld: Reds, 1 year / $3880
- P Ralph Caldwell: Senators, 1 year / $3560
- 1B Claude Rossman: Red Sox, 1 year / $2860
- P Mal Eason: Braves, 1 year / $2720
- 1B John Black: Red Sox, 2 year / $2600
- P Alex Pearson: Cardinals, 1 year / $2340
- P Lefty James: Giants, 2 years / $2180
- P Maury Kent: Tigers, 2 years / $2100
- P Ed Karger: Braves, 1 year / $1540
- P Charlie Smith: Detroit, 1 year / $1500
The Phillies very astutely lock down elite outfielder Sherry Magee for another 5 years with the contract worth a princely $29000. Same goes for Wildfire Schulte, who extends for 5 years / $20060 with the Cubs.
And we’ll be seeing plenty of Danny Murphy as he signs a one-year / $3000 deal with the Braves.
Despite a strong 14-4 showing in ST, we are seen as also-rans this year, predicted to finish well down in the standings at 73-81 with the experts thinking an all-Boston World Series is on the cards.
FULL PRESEASON PREDICTIONS