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LATE-WINTER TRADES CONTINUE AS CLUBS ADJUST FOR SPRING CAMPAIGNS
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
March 3rd 1915
As spring training gets underway, clubs have continued to fine-tune their rosters, with several trades completed in recent days as teams seek the proper balance ahead of the coming season. Though fewer in number than earlier in the winter, these transactions reflect ongoing efforts to address specific needs.
The first of these deals was completed on February 22nd, when the Philadelphia Phillies sent 32-year-old first baseman Ivan Howard to the St. Louis Cardinals. In return, Philadelphia received 25-year-old catcher Pearl Webster and 23-year-old shortstop Ike McAuley. Webster saw limited action last season, appearing primarily as a pinch hitter, but made the most of his opportunities with a .286 batting average across 23 such appearances.
On February 26th, the New York Giants concluded a trade with the Detroit Tigers, sending 25-year-old third baseman Ossie Vitt westward. The Giants received 28-year-old right-handed pitcher Lou Schettler and 24-year-old center fielder Elmer Miller in exchange. Schettler carried a heavy workload last season, finishing with an even 21-21 record and a 2.93 earned run average.
The most recent transaction came on March 2nd, involving the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Athletics. St. Louis dealt 27-year-old center fielder Al Wickland to Philadelphia, receiving left-handed pitcher Ray Collins, aged 28, and 21-year-old third baseman Joe Leonard. Wickland appeared in 149 games last season and batted .200. Collins was used exclusively in relief, posting a 7-5 record across 45 appearances with a 3.44 earned run average.
With camps now open and the season drawing nearer, these late-winter exchanges suggest that clubs remain alert to opportunities for improvement, even as preparations shift from the front office to the field.
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