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SPORTING TIMES — FEBRUARY 9th, 1911
By George F. Winthrop

QUIET WINTER BROKEN BY DECEMBER FLURRY AS SENATORS LEAD BUSY TRADE MARKET

With the dust now settling on another draft class, the offseason has shown two distinct faces: a sudden burst of trading activity in late December, followed by a long lull broken only this week by a February deal. No club was more active during that December rush than the reigning champions, the Washington Senators, who showed no hesitation in reshaping their roster for a renewed defense of their hard-won title.

The Senators’ front office worked at a brisk December pace, making move after move in search of veteran steadiness and added depth.

SENATORS BEGIN THEIR REBUILDING EFFORTS — DECEMBER 17th

The first of their maneuvers saw 22-year-old RHP Roy Golden shipped to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for 34-year-old left fielder Charlie Hemphill, who batted .2052 over 45 starts and 115 total games last season.

Hemphill, now preparing for a fresh start in the capital, remarked:

“I know I didn’t strike fear into pitchers last season, but I’ve still got good baseball in me. Washington believes that, and I aim to prove them right.”

That same day, Washington moved 21-year-old RHP Pastor Pareda to the Chicago Cubs, bringing back another seasoned outfielder in Germany Schaefer, age 34. Schaefer, who hit .248 in 93 games, expressed enthusiasm for the change of scenery:

“The Senators know how to win ballgames. If I can lend even a small hand in keeping that spark alive, I’ll be satisfied.”

Pareda, 10-5 with a 2.46 ERA last year, offered his own reflections on leaving a championship roster so early in his career:

“I learned a lot in Washington. Now it’s my turn to grow in Chicago.”


MORE SHUFFLING IN THE CAPITAL — DECEMBER 19th & 25th

On December 19th, the Senators sent 22-year-old shortstop Frank Betcher to Boston in return for 34-year-old RHP Frank Morrissey, who made just three relief appearances last year.

Later, on Christmas Day, Washington made an even larger pitching exchange, acquiring Sandy McDougal, 36, and Doc Crandall, 23, from the Chicago Cubs. In return, they parted with 23-year-old RHP Marc Hall. Crandall, who went 1-2 last year in limited duty, seemed eager for a larger role:

“I’m ready to take the ball whenever they ask. Washington’s a place where pitchers can shine.”


BROWNS, ATHLETICS, AND PIRATES ALSO JOIN THE MARKET

Other clubs joined the midwinter trading rush.

On December 21st, the Brooklyn Dodgers sent 3B Art Phelan, age 23, to the St. Louis Browns, receiving 30-year-old RHP Frank Corridon in return. Corridon posted a sharp 1.59 ERA in 20 relief appearances and one save last season.

That same day, the Philadelphia Athletics moved veteran Billy Lauder (age 36, who hit .312) and youngster Hi Myers (21) to the New York Highlanders, receiving SS Eddie Foster, age 23, in return.

On December 23rd, the St. Louis Browns shipped 36-year-old first baseman Tom Jones—who hit .245 over 139 games—to the Pittsburgh Pirates, receiving RHP Farmer Ray, 24, in exchange.
Jones, well known for his steady glove, kept his thoughts short but upbeat:

“New league, new city, same game. I’m ready.”


FEBRUARY DEAL ENDS QUIET SPELL — FEBRUARY 8th

After more than a month of silence, the winter trade wires hummed again as the Brooklyn Dodgers completed a deal with the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers acquired 29-year-old CF Dode Paskert, who hit .278 across 152 games. Brooklyn received RHP Harry McIntire, 32, and 21-year-old catcher John Henry.

Paskert, known for his speed and glove, sounded eager to step into Detroit’s outfield:

“They’ve got ambition in Detroit, and I’m glad to be part of what they’re building.”

As spring draws nearer and clubs begin penciling tentative depth charts, these winter moves—large and small—may well shape the fortunes of the coming campaign. The champions have retooled, the contenders have adjusted, and with each passing week, baseball stirs once more.