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OFFSEASON TRADES BEGIN AS CLUBS PREPARE FOR 1909 CAMPAIGN

Red Sox, Senators, and Reds Among Early Movers in Winter Market

By George F. Winthrop and Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
December 12th, 1908

As the baseball winter meetings near and the talk of the upcoming draft begins to fill the air, a handful of clubs have already taken to reshaping their rosters for the 1909 season. Though most front offices are holding their cards close for now, several notable transactions have already stirred the waters of the Major Leagues.

Boston and Washington Swap Fielders

The first move of note came on October 19th, when the Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators completed a straightforward exchange of position players. Boston sent Harry Niles, their 28-year-old second baseman, to the capital in return for Bill Hinchman, a 25-year-old left fielder.

Niles appeared in 153 contests for Boston last season, posting a .245 batting average, while Hinchman, who played in 154 games for Washington, hit .231. Both clubs appear to be seeking fresh energy in their respective lineups, with Washington favoring infield stability and Boston adding youth to its outfield corps.

Overall Heads West in Brooklyn–Cincinnati Deal

A larger trade followed on October 23rd, as the Brooklyn Superbas sent right-hander Orval Overall, aged 27, to the Cincinnati Reds. In return, Brooklyn received two promising young men: Otto Knabe, a 24-year-old second baseman, and Harry Coveleski, a 22-year-old southpaw.

Overall had a strong showing despite limited support, going 15–18 with a 2.29 ERA across 39 starts last season. Knabe, who hit .222 in 131 games, brings defensive assurance to Brooklyn’s infield, while Coveleski, who debuted late last year with a 5–3 mark from 8 starts, gives the Superbas a left-handed arm for the future.

Cleveland and Washington Exchange Reserves

On October 24th, a smaller transaction saw the Washington Senators trade catcher Tex Erwin, aged 22, to the Cleveland Naps in exchange for Earl Moore, a 31-year-old right-hander. The move appears to be an exchange of depth players, with neither expected to fill a headline role but both likely to strengthen their clubs’ benches.

Cleveland Continues Activity in Trade with Philadelphia

The Cleveland Naps were again active on November 13th, sending 24-year-old left-hander Roy Hitt to the Philadelphia Phillies. In return, Cleveland acquired Del Howard, a 30-year-old first baseman, and Tubby Spencer, a 24-year-old catcher.

Hitt went 3–5 in 9 starts last season, while Howard appeared in 146 games for Philadelphia, hitting .241. Spencer adds further catching insurance for the Naps following their earlier deal with Washington.

Boston Doves Add Adams in Trade with Cardinals

The final notable transaction thus far came on December 1st, when the St. Louis Cardinals dealt right-hander Babe Adams to the Boston Doves. In return, the Cardinals secured three young infielders: John Knight (23), Alan Storke (24), and Joe Ward (24).

Adams, who went 5–13 with a 4.28 ERA in 22 starts, struggled on the mound but has shown flashes of potential. Knight hit .187 over 154 games, while Storke and Ward provide additional infield options for the St. Louis side.

Looking Ahead

Though none of these early offseason moves yet shake the foundations of the league, they reflect a clear theme: clubs are looking younger. With several veterans stepping aside at season’s end, front offices appear determined to replenish with fresh arms and quick legs.

The bigger deals may yet come once the draft concludes, but as the first snow of December settles, baseball’s machinery is already turning once again — and the race toward 1909 has quietly begun.