A nice solid season. Had the 1st offensive Triple Crown by Cap Anson. Had a bit of a pennant race till about mid-September. New York won its first chip and looks like a team that could do it again.
New York - A good team that finally put it all together. Mickey Welch finally had a winning season and Tim Keefe was his usual self. A lineup of Buck Ewing, Roger Connor, Monte Ward, John O'Rourke, George Gore didn't hurt.
Philadelphia - They hung around most of the season, but started slow due to the death of pitcher Charlie Ferguson. Had he lived I think Philly could have won the pennant. There's no one spectacular on the team, but they play well as a team (a credit to manager Harry Wright) and win more than they lose.
Pittsburgh - Jumping from the AA has not slowed this team down. Pud Glavin won his 300th game early in the season, but had to sit for most of the summer with a sore shoulder. He came back just as good. The other pitcher Ed Morris seems to be faltering a bit as his production kind of tailed off as the season wore on.
Chicago - They just couldn't find a consistent pitching rotation to match an explosive lineup. Still, the team has a number of young guys to match with the vets and look to be a strong team in 89.
Detroit - Announced after the season they are getting out of the business. Too bad, cause once this team got talent they became a tough team to play. Detroit supported the team, and looked like a major league city. It's up to the league on what to do with the teams assets and where they may play.
Indianapolis - Finally looked and played like a team that could compete. After two seasons of basement dwelling they had some offense led by old guys Jack Glasscock, Paul Hines and Jerry Denny.
Washington - Did not finish last alone. The roster is weak. Not much offense and they have problems finding two consistent pitchers.
Boston - This team needs an overhaul. King Kelly, Sam Wise and Billy Nash can't do everything every day and John Clarkson was purchased for 10k and looked like a mediocre pitcher. Hoss Radbourn started throwing mid-season and looked like absolute garbage. Not sure what this team can do, but they should be much much better.
