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1940 Season Preview
American League
The American League looks tougher than it has in many years. For some time now, there have been just a few dominant teams. This year, there are four potentially dominant teams, and one or two other teams who could have some surprises in store.
1.
Yankees (96-58, 1st) - They managed to get back to the World Series but left heart-broken in a Game 7 defeat to Brooklyn. They open this season as favorites, thanks to a solid pitching staff and good offense. However, there is some very stiff competition in the league this year.
Top Starters:
SP Art Booth (24-10, 2.97)
SP Luke Riley (24-12, 3.53)
SP Hale Scheepers (15-12, 3.95)
SS Clarence Davis (.334, 79 RBI)
LF Allen March (.294, 13 HR, 98 RBI)
CF Jimmy Ditty (.290, 19 HR, 85 RBI)
RF "Moonlight" Graham (.325, 99 RBI, 29 SB)
Top Prospects:
SP Mel Serrano (AA)
2.
Senators (89-65, 2nd) - Washington has a great pitching staff and possibly the best offense in the AL. They may be ranked second, but only barely. They have a definite shot at winning the pennant.
Top Starters:
SP Chris Frays (19-16, 3.76)
SP Micky Guyton (19-11, 3.21)
SP Jethro Lee (15-12, 3.37)
2B Woody Woodworth (.343, 52 RBI in 382 AB)
3B Carl Kahle (.319, 27 HR, 120 RBI)
SS Blake Crocitto (.403, 12 HR, 84 RBI)
LF Wolter Tjeenk-Willink (.380, 12 HR, 90 RBI)
Top Prospects:
SP Johnny Gordley (Majors)
3B "Jungle Jim" Dunkel (AAA)
SP Van Melbourn (A)
3.
Browns (83-71, 3rd) - Did anyone even notice the Browns quietly snuck up to 3rd last year? They have a great looking pitching staff. Their biggest question will be offense, but if they score runs, the pitching should carry the team.
Top Starters:
SP George Cone (25-13, 3.42)
SP Mark Ponfick (17-16, 3.33)
1B Bill Simard (.313, 14 HR, 87 RBI)
3B Steven Bussell (.290, 12 HR, 76 RBI)
SS Ted Stuart (.320, 83 RBI)
RF Tony Monachino (.272, 54 RBI, 20 SB)
Top Prospects:
SP Cotton Simson (Majors)
1B George Maringo (Majors)
SP George Skoropat (AAA)
SP Sam Cumby (A)
1B Rik Kaladimos (A)
4.
White Sox (74-80, 5th) - They had to start last season without starter Stuffy Zinn, and they now must start this season without Lewis Lamson, who tore a ligament in his elbow during his first start of 1939. He will not be ready until 2 weeks into the season. Their offense is strong, but they need their pitching to remain healthy. If they do, they can be serious contenders.
Top Starters:
SP Lewis Lamson (1 GS)
SP Stuffy Zinn (21-11, 3.32)
C Leonard Davie (.295, 19 HR, 80 RBI)
1B Louis Kirkes (.322, 73 RBI)
LF Enos Fletcher (.327, 76 RBI)
Top Prospects:
CF Homer Jewell (A)
5.
Red Sox (65-89, 7th) - Their offense is very strong, and it improves every day. Manager Chip Houk has them believing in themselves, which is half the battle. Their rotation relies on two NL castoffs, so their time has likely not yet come. If you have any doubt about their future, just check out their list of prospects.
Top Starters:
SP Mitchell Haynam (9-12, 3.78)
1B Jessie Holt (.327, 16 HR, 87 RBI)
2B Pokey Dorsey (.291, 95 RBI)
SS Ricardo Bowden (.323, 63 RBI, 54 SB)
LF Al Arsenault (.324, 19 HR, 98 RBI)
CF Howard Sheridan (.280, 25 HR, 99 RBI)
Top Prospects:
C Cecil Marziani (Majors)
C Chuck Rauch (Majors)
2B Ray Specht (Majors)
CF Jack Zenisek (Majors)
RF Ben Hargey (Majors)
SP Hill Basford (AAA)
SP James Basford (AA)
SP Cort Nagel (AA)
2B Maurice Goza (AA)
6.
Indians (77-77, 4th) - Cleveland has some solid pitchers, but their offense is questionable at times. If their hitters come through, they have a shot at being competitive.
Top Starters:
SP George Bowers (25-10, 3.15)
SP Billy Crowell (20-14, 3.30)
1B Daniel Lutzke (.240, 31 HR, 104 RBI)
Top Prospects:
1B Em Pelto (AAA)
SP Ed Aul (AA)
SP Terry Lucewicz (AA)
1B Lonny Arrendale (A)
7.
Athletics (62-92, 8th) - There's a huge dropoff from 6th to 7th. They are hoping new player-manager Sal Rossi can light a fire under these guys, but there is little talent available.
Top Starters:
SP Mickey Lonergan (13-17, 3.99)
SP William O'Neill (19-16, 3.52)
Top Prospects:
CF Peaches Badeau (Majors)
1B Lee Richardson (A)
1B Laszlo Szabo-Nagy (A)
8.
Tigers (70-84, 6th) - They have a better offense than the A's, but Philly has two solid starters where Detroit has none. Pitching is usually the difference.
Top Starters:
SP Bob Guilderson (14-20, 3.76)
2B Ray Dimeo (.314, 12 HR, 62 RBI)
SS Adolf Greisbach (.345, 47 RBI)
Top Prospects:
SP Hal Andrew (AAA)
CF Roland Fish (AAA)