Top 5 Names You Need To Keep An Eye On
1.
George Hall (22yo CF) In 74 games, Hall has blistered the ball to a tune of a .394 career average with 5 HR & 107 RBI. Last year, he suited up for 3 different and proceeded to hit over .400 for each one. He had a 9 game stint with the Olympics (.429), stopped in Troy for 5 more (.435), and finished up the season for the Mutuals (.410). When you combine those numbers, you get League MVP and a .410 average in 43 total games.
2.
Ross Barnes (21yo 2B) After spending his first 2 years in Boston, there are various people murmuring that Mr. Barnes wants a change of scenery. Last year, the club had more than enough offense, but inexperience on the rubber cost them a title even though they finished a 1/2 game out of first. His stat sheet is already very impressive including compiling a 29 game hitting streak along with 101 RBI and a .360 average in 78 career games.
3.
Cap Anson (19yo 1B/3B) When the 1873 campaign rolls around, Anson will have graduated from the teenage years and teams will only hope he will mature as well. While putting together a .336 average with 5 HR & 85 RBI, he has made many enemies at the local pubs after celebrating club wins. You can't deny the offensive ability he can bring to the middle of the lineup.
4.
Jimmy Wood (29yo 2B) His initial year (1871) was slowed due to a fractured finger and it showed as he only hit for a .219 average in 16 games. This past year, Wood signed on to play for Baltimore and all he did was lead the Association in HR's (5) & RBI's (71). The average was a tad low at .298, but that can be blamed on his mindset of having to be the guy to do everything with the bat mentality.
5.
Fred Waterman (25yo C) Both of Waterman's first 2 seasons look very identical, which isn't a bad thing because both were very consistent. He posted averages of .323 and .333, has fairly good speed, and can add stability at the catcher position that most teams covet.
