My Baseball World

redmachine · 11-03-2004, 09:23 PM

I will be trying something just a little different and I hope some people can enjoy this like I enjoy Matt and Tigers and many other's baseball fantasy.

I will use fictional players to replay baseball history but with a twist. Each year the top 5 draft picks will get their name edited to a player who played for that team during that era. This is just so you can recognize players and the fictional player has nothing to do with the real player except name and position.

Example: Honus Wagner is a early pick for the Pirates in 1904, he is a 5-star player but he may be slower than the real Wagner.

As we start, we are already to the start of the 1906 season. The New York Giants are the powers to be, winning the NL pennant in 1903-1905 and winning the Series in 2 of the 3 years. They were swept in 4 straight by the Red Sox in 1904.

Jere Pounders is the best player in baseball, winning the MVP in 4 of the 1st 5 years and in 1905 he became the first player to hit over .400 for a season.

Each year I will write up a Preview for each team on the upcoming season along with a prediction for each club. At the end of the season I will review the season's highlights and lowlights and see how the predictions turned out.

When the league gets a little older I will do reports on "Characters of the Game" and Dynasties to Remember".....Already the Giants could make this list.

Hope everyone enjoys and if you would like to see anything else please let me know.

Here is 1905's Preview and Review together. From this point on, you will see the Review seperate of the Preview.

1905 PREVIEW
AMERICAN LEAGUE.................

BOSTON- Look for Boston to ride the pitching of W.Whang(22-9,2.03), J.Kayser9-8,2.53), R.Roberts(5-5,3.18) and M.Elbert(15-14,3.38) to another AL pennant. Young catcher Candy "the cat" Lachance, 2B H.Erickson and SS R.Searles should supply just enough offense. Prediction: 1st

BOSTON(1st) As expected the Sox again won the pennant behind 3B Robert Searles(.369,3,67),LF Theodore Palen(.332,0,65,39sb) and 2B Harold Erickson(.320,3,50) hitting and Michael Elbert(17-11,3.24),Walter Whang(17-7,3.40) and Russell Roberts(19-11,3.52) pitching.

CHICAGO- With the pitching of B.Primus(13-16,2.73), W.Hoose(15-19,3.71) and 25yr old G.Murphy9-7,3.10) the Sox should stay in the race. 23yr old C B.Sullivan(.294,4,47) has alot of raw talent but the Sox need hitting to compete. Prediction: 5th

CHICAGO(7TH)- Brian Primus(14-12,3.69),Willard Hoose(18-21,3.69) and George Murphy(3.80) didnt do the job. Hitting was better than expected with RF Steven McAlister(.324,5,71), 2B Robert Bosley(.375,4,87) and C Billy Sullivan(.336,4,80).

CLEVELAND- T.Housel(24-10,3.04) give them an ace type pitcher and last years 1st round pick Jesse Oliva(.302,0,45) could be fun to watch but Indians are in trouble. Prediction:6th

CLEVELAND(T5TH-6TH)- Thomas Housel(24-10,2.78) was as advertised. While CF Brian Pulliam(.349,1,68,42sb), LF Paul Seldon(.326,2,64), RF Jesse Oliva(.346,6,67) and 2B Arthur George(.389,1,46) hit better than expected. George,last season's ROY is improving by leaps and bounds.

DETROIT- Still in search of any pitching, 3B S.Alton(.264,5,63) and 22yr old CF Sam Crawford(.358,6,72) in coming off a MVP season. Prediction 7th

DETROIT(T5TH-6TH)- Crawford broke his ankle and missed 9 weeks but C Mike Goodwill(.375) had a great year.

NEW YORK- To much pitching not to at least be in the race this year. J.oppenheimer(15-17,3.11) is one of the best pitchers in the league and with M.Blackwood(13-10,3.10) and S.Martin(17-21,3.23) they have a great staff. Hitting however will be the reason they dont win. Prediction: 3th

NEW YORK(2ND)- Josh Oppenheimer(20-12,3.29),Stephan Martin(21-13,2.49) and Mohammad Blackwood(16-16,3.65) did their part. 1B Troy Lance(.333,0,53), CF David Parker(.355,3,70,26sb) and C Lance Bowen(.322,1,61) gave them more hitting than expected.

Phiadelphia- J.Halford(6-4,2.09) is the ace on a solid but not spectacular staff. K.Papas(.363,2,15) will miss at least a month of the season thanks to a rib injury that shelved him last May. L.Volkman(.319,4,64) will have to carry the offense in his absence.Prediction:4th

PHILADELPHIA(4TH)- Danny Bowlby(21-15,3.81) and William Hersh(19-15,3.33) were studs. Halford(3-5,3.69) wasnt a factor like we thought he would be. 24yr old Addie Joss(10-8,2.59) the #5 pick overall for Cleveland was obtained in a trade and pitched well. Jerry Carstensen(.379,4,92) a 4-time allstar 1B won his 2nd MVP award. Keneth Papas(.311,3,38) seemed to be favoring his ribs all year. Luther Volkman(.304,4,62) played well.

ST.LOUIS- V.Clark(23-7,2.25) and M.Dantzler(15-16,2.88) will try to carry this team. J.Militell(.306,3,42,47sb) is their only hitter. Clark and Dantzler were both picked up in trades last year. Prediction 8th

ST.LOUIS(3RD)- Easily the biggest suprise in the AL prediction wise but after looking, they just bounced back from 1 bad year. Victor Clark(20-15,3.29) and Mark Dantzler(21-11,3.54) did as expected and carried the team. And Jeffrey Militello(.346,2,52,41sb) was their only hitter.

WASHINGTON- 24yr old S.Warren is as good as it gets. Solid but not exciting hitting. Prediction: 2nd

WASHINGTON(8TH)- Really missed this one. Samuel Warren(13-17,3.49) at 24yrs old maybe need another year to mature. Pitching was horrible, the worst in the league. The hitting of LF Robert Mulhern(.323,2,55), CF Allen McComas(.347,2,73,32sb) and 2B Aaron Sawyer(.374,0,42) couldnt hold up the pitching.

NATIONAL LEAGUE..................

BROOKLYN- F.Smith(20-13,2.65) and 23yr old H.Beauford12-10,3.36) should steady a good pitching staff plus C A.Marzano(.279,5,73) and SS A.Sydow(.360,2,56) should give them enough hitting to keep them in the pennant race until the end. Prediction: 2nd

BROOKLYN(TIED 3RD-4TH)- Frank Smith(20-10,3.10) and Howard Beauford(15-13,4.17) pitched as expected. C Antonine Marzan(.344,4,80) and SS Armand Sydow(.381,2,76) also did theirs.

BOSTON(N)- 20yr old Vic Willis(9-7,2.65) could be the ace of the staff by years end. But look for the Braves to finish toward the bottom of the NL. Prediction 5th:

BOSTON(N)(TIED 5TH-6TH)- Vic Willis(14-15,3.31) remember is just 20yrs old. Jay Cook(20-15,3.37) however overachieved. Still in dire need of hitting.

CHICAGO- Very short on pitching and hitting. Prediction: 7th

CHICAGO(TIED 7TH-8TH)- 1B Thomas Tester(.330,0,70) and RF Frank Thomas(.331,6,82) gave them some hitting.

CINCINNATI- No pitching and even less hitting. #1 pick overall Cy Seymour will leadoff and play CF and should be fun to watch. Prediction: 8th

CINCINNATI(TIED 7TH-8TH)- Like Chicago, just not enough talent in Cincy. 1B Raymon Abney(.351,4,77) had a good year. #1 pick overall this year Cy Seymour(.345,0,30) was the ROY but the Reds for some reason traded him to Pittsburgh in July for a 27yr old mediocre pitcher. This franchise need help.

NEW YORK- In the end the Giants again will be their. Pitching is awesome with J.Warman23-8,2.74) who won the CY last year.Along with C.Shorey(18-10,2.69) and P.Martindale(18-7,2.79). The hitting will have to score just enough runs however as 3B S.Strang(.329,5,56) looks to be the only solid hitter. Bill Keefer(.352,2,86) is coming off an MVP year and has also won the ROY but at 23 has yet to prove he is the real thing. Prediction: 1st

NEW YORK(1ST)- Showed their depth losing last years CY YOUNG winner Jamey Warman(10-8,4.53) in June but still won 90 games and the World Series. Chrishoper Shorey(23-16,3.75) and Patrick Martindale(15-9,4.93) used run support to get some wins. The entire infield hit over .300 including 3B Sammy Strang(.381,0,83), and SS Bill Keefer(.365,6,97,28sb).

PHILADELPHIA- D.Baxter(3-1,2.86) is ready to step in and be the ace at age 23. 1B F.Downey(.301,5,56) and 19yr old R.Thomas(.277,2,41) should give the Phils decent offense. Prediction: 4th

PHILADELPHIA(2ND)- 23yr old David Baxter(20-8,3.19) did more than just step in. Bill Essex(18-9,3.68) also pitched well. 1B Frank Downey(.311,8,78) and C Eric Whorton(.353,3,81) along with LF Luke Mills(.330,2,79) led a much improved offense. Young LF Roy Thomas(.262,0,20) just wasnt ready to be an everyday player and Mills was a pleasant suprise.

PITTSBURGH- P.McBride(10-14,3.00) is a good pitcher and offensively they have superman J.Pounders(.390,1,55) a 3-time MVP. Pounders missed 30 some games last year so if he is healthy look for the Pirates to move up. Prediction: 3rd

PITTSBURGH(TIED 5TH-6TH)- Paul McBride(23-13,3.17) might be better than just good.Jere Pounders(.429,2,69) became the 1st man to hit .400 and won his 4th MVP in 5 years. Pounders is the class of baseball right now.

ST.LOUIS- Pitching will be a problem this year. J.Burke this years #1 pick overall will platoon at 3B as a rookie. He is 23. Prediction: 6th

ST.LOUIS(TIED 3RD-4TH)- Pitching was a problem as expected but 3B Daniel Bell(.414,2,69) was the only other man to hit over .400, Jimmy Burke hit .331 in 75 games.

redmachine · 11-03-2004, 11:18 PM

1906 PREVIEW.......

AMERICAN LEAGUE.....

BOSTON(A)- The Sox are coming off of 2 straight AL pennant and a World Series win over the Giants in 1904. J.Kayser(11-18,3.65), and R.Roberts(19-11,3.52) are just 22 and 26 years old and should carry the Sox. W.Whang(17-7,3.40) however will start the season in the bullpen. At 35, Whang's best days are behind him including a CY YOUNG in 1904. 3B R.Searles(.369,3,67) should have another good year but the hitting is down from last year. PREDICTION: 3RD

CHICAGO(A)- The Sox are again hanging their hat on the pitching of W.Hoose(18-21,3.69), G.Murphy(15-11,3.80), and B.Primus(14-12,3.69). 24yr old C Billy Sullivan, 2B R.Bosley and RF S.McAllister should give them just enough to over take Boston. PREDICTION: 2nd

CLEVELAND- T.Housel returns as one of the best pitchers in the league. 1904 ROY Arthur George(.389,1,46) is just 25yrs old. Not nearly enough pitching or hitting to challange.PREDICTION: 7TH

DETROIT- The Tigers think 1904 MVP Sam Crawford(.351,1,38) is back to 100% after missing 60 games last year. 3B S.Alton(.310,7,58) should also drive in some runs. So if they could get some pitching.....PREDICTION: 6TH

NEW YORK(A)- The Yankees have the best pitching in baseball with Josh Oppenheimer(20-12,3.29), S.Martin(21-13,2.49) and M.Blackwood(16-16,3.65). Oppenheimer won the CY YOUNG in 1902. Lack of hitting could be a problem but we think not. PREDICTION: 1ST

PHILADELPHIA(A)- Average pitching plus average hitting equal middle of the pack for the A's. 2-time MVP Jerry Carstensen(.379,4,92) could make a difference however. Carstensen won the MVP last year and also won it in 1902 with the Whitesox. PREDICTION: 4TH

ST.LOUIS(A)- Victor Clark(20-15,3.29) and Mark Dantzler(21-11,3.54) give the Browns 2 20-game winners but they lack meat in the middle of the everyday lineup. Rookie 1B Walter Backus could evolve into a great hitter. PREDICTION: 5TH

WASHINGTON- Samuel Warren(13-17,3.49) could have a breakout year if he gets some run support. PREDICTION: 8TH

NATIONAL LEAGUE.....

BOSTON(N)- Vic Willis(14-15,3.31) is a year older at 21. Could this be the year he breaks out? Look for the Braves to have another high draft pick. PREDICTION: 7TH

BROOKLYN- Manager Ned Hanlon's Dodgers have never finished lower than 3rd in the NL, winning the Pennant in 1902 before there was a World Series. F.Smith(20-10,3.10) will again be asked to carry the load on the mound. C Antoine Marzano(.344,4,80) is a 3-time allstar and 2-time Gold Glover. While Armand Sydow(.381,2,76) is a 2-time allstar and 2-time Gold Glover at 3B. This looks like the year they fall below 3rd. PREDICTION: 3RD

CHICAGO(N)- Again lack both pitching and hitting to compete. #1 pick overall Jimmy Sheckard will start the year in AA. PREDICTION: 6TH

CINCINNATI- The Reds have been the doormat of the NL the last 2 year and seem to be somewhat improved. No real stars but some good young talent on the farm. PREDICTION:5TH

NEW YORK(N)- 1904 CY winner J.Warman will miss the 1st month of the season with the same back injury that sidelined him in July of last year. C.Shorey(23-16,3.75) is back but the Giants pitching isnt what it used to be. 3B S.Strang(.381,0,83), SS B.Keefer.365,6,97), LF E.Dacus(.348,3,78) and RF R.Hallam(.317,8,104) will still pound opposing pitchers. Hallam became the first player ever to drive in 100 runs last year. Will this be the year the Giants lose their strangle hold over the NL. PREDICTION: 1ST

PHILADELPHIA(N)- David Baxter(21-15,3.81) leads a better than average pitching staff. Hitting will be a problem however as talented youngsters R.Nicholas and Roy Thomas aren't quite ready.PREDICTION: 4TH

PITTSBURGH- P.McBride23-13,3.17) will anchor a good staff and 25yr old prospect Lawrence Galusha has good stuff. The Pirates hitting has a mixture of veterans like Jere Pounders(.429,2,69) the 4-time MVP and talented youngsters like Cy Seymour(.333,1,67) and Honus Wagner(.273,2,35). Seymour won the ROY last year after coming over in a trade from the Reds. It may be a year to early for the Pirates but i dont think it will be long. The Pirates won the 1st ever NL Pennant in 1901. PREDICTION: 2ND

ST.LOUIS(N)- RF Buddy Robeson(.273,2,46) is the all-time homerun hitter with 35. And thats the highlight of the sorry looking Cards. PREDICTION 8TH

redmachine · 11-04-2004, 03:02 AM

1906 REVIEW..........

NATIONAL LEAGUE-

In the most exciting pennant race to date, Brooklyn, Pittsburgh,and Philadelphia all finished with the same record. Defending champion New York was just 1 game back.
Pittsburgh lost the tie breaker so Brooklyn and Philly played a 1 game playoff in Philadelphia. Both teams sent their aces as the Dodgers sent Harry Beauford(26-10,2.86) against David Baxter(16-11,3.55) of the Phillies. Beauford won his 16th straight decision and the Dodgers were the NL champs.

AMERICAN LEAGUE-

The Yankees pitching was to much for the rest of the league as they won the AL pennant by 3 games over the defending Al Champion Red Sox. Josh Oppenheimer and Stephan Martin were 20-game winners for the Yanks. CF David Parker(.375,4,112) led the league in RBI and won the MVP. Parker is 35 and easily had his best year as a Yankee.

WORLD SERIES-

The Yankees dominated the Pirates and won in 5 games. Josh Oppenheimer went 2-0 and was awarded the Post Season MVP.

AWARDS-

AL MVP- DAVID PARKER(NYA)- .375,4HR,112RBI
AL CY- SAMUEL WARREN(WAS)- 24-10,2.96
AL ROY- ROBERT IKNER(DET)- .329,1HR,46RBI...IKNER WAS THE 6TH PLAYER TAKEN IN THIS YEARS DRAFT.

AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR- JIMMY MCALEER(CLE)- This is McAleer's 2nd time he has won the award despite never finishing above 4th.
NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR- NED HANLON(BRO)- This is Hanlon's 2nd award also. He won it in 1902 when the Dodgers won their other pennant.

NL MVP- BILL KEEFER(NYG)- .418,4HR,116RBI- Keefer has now won 3 Rings, 2 MVP, ROY, 1 Gold Glove, 1 World Series MVP and been an allstar 4 year. The guy is only 24 and been in the league just 4 years.
NL CY- HOWARD BEAUFORD(BRO)- 27-10, 2.86-
NL ROY- JIM SAINE(BSN)- 16-11, 3.26

NEWS AND NOTES..........

The Chicago Cubs fired manager Tom Loftus. Loftus had a career record of 417-463 in 6 years with the Cubs. Frank Chance was hired as the new manager.

The Boston Braves also fired their manager Frank Selee(411-468). Selee had been with the Braves since the inception. Fred Teney was hired as the new manager.

11-03-2004, 09:23 PM	#1
redmachine Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 145	My Baseball World I will be trying something just a little different and I hope some people can enjoy this like I enjoy Matt and Tigers and many other's baseball fantasy. I will use fictional players to replay baseball history but with a twist. Each year the top 5 draft picks will get their name edited to a player who played for that team during that era. This is just so you can recognize players and the fictional player has nothing to do with the real player except name and position. Example: Honus Wagner is a early pick for the Pirates in 1904, he is a 5-star player but he may be slower than the real Wagner. As we start, we are already to the start of the 1906 season. The New York Giants are the powers to be, winning the NL pennant in 1903-1905 and winning the Series in 2 of the 3 years. They were swept in 4 straight by the Red Sox in 1904. Jere Pounders is the best player in baseball, winning the MVP in 4 of the 1st 5 years and in 1905 he became the first player to hit over .400 for a season. Each year I will write up a Preview for each team on the upcoming season along with a prediction for each club. At the end of the season I will review the season's highlights and lowlights and see how the predictions turned out. When the league gets a little older I will do reports on "Characters of the Game" and Dynasties to Remember".....Already the Giants could make this list. Hope everyone enjoys and if you would like to see anything else please let me know. Here is 1905's Preview and Review together. From this point on, you will see the Review seperate of the Preview. 1905 PREVIEW AMERICAN LEAGUE................. BOSTON- Look for Boston to ride the pitching of W.Whang(22-9,2.03), J.Kayser9-8,2.53), R.Roberts(5-5,3.18) and M.Elbert(15-14,3.38) to another AL pennant. Young catcher Candy "the cat" Lachance, 2B H.Erickson and SS R.Searles should supply just enough offense. Prediction: 1st BOSTON(1st) As expected the Sox again won the pennant behind 3B Robert Searles(.369,3,67),LF Theodore Palen(.332,0,65,39sb) and 2B Harold Erickson(.320,3,50) hitting and Michael Elbert(17-11,3.24),Walter Whang(17-7,3.40) and Russell Roberts(19-11,3.52) pitching. CHICAGO- With the pitching of B.Primus(13-16,2.73), W.Hoose(15-19,3.71) and 25yr old G.Murphy9-7,3.10) the Sox should stay in the race. 23yr old C B.Sullivan(.294,4,47) has alot of raw talent but the Sox need hitting to compete. Prediction: 5th CHICAGO(7TH)- Brian Primus(14-12,3.69),Willard Hoose(18-21,3.69) and George Murphy(3.80) didnt do the job. Hitting was better than expected with RF Steven McAlister(.324,5,71), 2B Robert Bosley(.375,4,87) and C Billy Sullivan(.336,4,80). CLEVELAND- T.Housel(24-10,3.04) give them an ace type pitcher and last years 1st round pick Jesse Oliva(.302,0,45) could be fun to watch but Indians are in trouble. Prediction:6th CLEVELAND(T5TH-6TH)- Thomas Housel(24-10,2.78) was as advertised. While CF Brian Pulliam(.349,1,68,42sb), LF Paul Seldon(.326,2,64), RF Jesse Oliva(.346,6,67) and 2B Arthur George(.389,1,46) hit better than expected. George,last season's ROY is improving by leaps and bounds. DETROIT- Still in search of any pitching, 3B S.Alton(.264,5,63) and 22yr old CF Sam Crawford(.358,6,72) in coming off a MVP season. Prediction 7th DETROIT(T5TH-6TH)- Crawford broke his ankle and missed 9 weeks but C Mike Goodwill(.375) had a great year. NEW YORK- To much pitching not to at least be in the race this year. J.oppenheimer(15-17,3.11) is one of the best pitchers in the league and with M.Blackwood(13-10,3.10) and S.Martin(17-21,3.23) they have a great staff. Hitting however will be the reason they dont win. Prediction: 3th NEW YORK(2ND)- Josh Oppenheimer(20-12,3.29),Stephan Martin(21-13,2.49) and Mohammad Blackwood(16-16,3.65) did their part. 1B Troy Lance(.333,0,53), CF David Parker(.355,3,70,26sb) and C Lance Bowen(.322,1,61) gave them more hitting than expected. Phiadelphia- J.Halford(6-4,2.09) is the ace on a solid but not spectacular staff. K.Papas(.363,2,15) will miss at least a month of the season thanks to a rib injury that shelved him last May. L.Volkman(.319,4,64) will have to carry the offense in his absence.Prediction:4th PHILADELPHIA(4TH)- Danny Bowlby(21-15,3.81) and William Hersh(19-15,3.33) were studs. Halford(3-5,3.69) wasnt a factor like we thought he would be. 24yr old Addie Joss(10-8,2.59) the #5 pick overall for Cleveland was obtained in a trade and pitched well. Jerry Carstensen(.379,4,92) a 4-time allstar 1B won his 2nd MVP award. Keneth Papas(.311,3,38) seemed to be favoring his ribs all year. Luther Volkman(.304,4,62) played well. ST.LOUIS- V.Clark(23-7,2.25) and M.Dantzler(15-16,2.88) will try to carry this team. J.Militell(.306,3,42,47sb) is their only hitter. Clark and Dantzler were both picked up in trades last year. Prediction 8th ST.LOUIS(3RD)- Easily the biggest suprise in the AL prediction wise but after looking, they just bounced back from 1 bad year. Victor Clark(20-15,3.29) and Mark Dantzler(21-11,3.54) did as expected and carried the team. And Jeffrey Militello(.346,2,52,41sb) was their only hitter. WASHINGTON- 24yr old S.Warren is as good as it gets. Solid but not exciting hitting. Prediction: 2nd WASHINGTON(8TH)- Really missed this one. Samuel Warren(13-17,3.49) at 24yrs old maybe need another year to mature. Pitching was horrible, the worst in the league. The hitting of LF Robert Mulhern(.323,2,55), CF Allen McComas(.347,2,73,32sb) and 2B Aaron Sawyer(.374,0,42) couldnt hold up the pitching. NATIONAL LEAGUE.................. BROOKLYN- F.Smith(20-13,2.65) and 23yr old H.Beauford12-10,3.36) should steady a good pitching staff plus C A.Marzano(.279,5,73) and SS A.Sydow(.360,2,56) should give them enough hitting to keep them in the pennant race until the end. Prediction: 2nd BROOKLYN(TIED 3RD-4TH)- Frank Smith(20-10,3.10) and Howard Beauford(15-13,4.17) pitched as expected. C Antonine Marzan(.344,4,80) and SS Armand Sydow(.381,2,76) also did theirs. BOSTON(N)- 20yr old Vic Willis(9-7,2.65) could be the ace of the staff by years end. But look for the Braves to finish toward the bottom of the NL. Prediction 5th: BOSTON(N)(TIED 5TH-6TH)- Vic Willis(14-15,3.31) remember is just 20yrs old. Jay Cook(20-15,3.37) however overachieved. Still in dire need of hitting. CHICAGO- Very short on pitching and hitting. Prediction: 7th CHICAGO(TIED 7TH-8TH)- 1B Thomas Tester(.330,0,70) and RF Frank Thomas(.331,6,82) gave them some hitting. CINCINNATI- No pitching and even less hitting. #1 pick overall Cy Seymour will leadoff and play CF and should be fun to watch. Prediction: 8th CINCINNATI(TIED 7TH-8TH)- Like Chicago, just not enough talent in Cincy. 1B Raymon Abney(.351,4,77) had a good year. #1 pick overall this year Cy Seymour(.345,0,30) was the ROY but the Reds for some reason traded him to Pittsburgh in July for a 27yr old mediocre pitcher. This franchise need help. NEW YORK- In the end the Giants again will be their. Pitching is awesome with J.Warman23-8,2.74) who won the CY last year.Along with C.Shorey(18-10,2.69) and P.Martindale(18-7,2.79). The hitting will have to score just enough runs however as 3B S.Strang(.329,5,56) looks to be the only solid hitter. Bill Keefer(.352,2,86) is coming off an MVP year and has also won the ROY but at 23 has yet to prove he is the real thing. Prediction: 1st NEW YORK(1ST)- Showed their depth losing last years CY YOUNG winner Jamey Warman(10-8,4.53) in June but still won 90 games and the World Series. Chrishoper Shorey(23-16,3.75) and Patrick Martindale(15-9,4.93) used run support to get some wins. The entire infield hit over .300 including 3B Sammy Strang(.381,0,83), and SS Bill Keefer(.365,6,97,28sb). PHILADELPHIA- D.Baxter(3-1,2.86) is ready to step in and be the ace at age 23. 1B F.Downey(.301,5,56) and 19yr old R.Thomas(.277,2,41) should give the Phils decent offense. Prediction: 4th PHILADELPHIA(2ND)- 23yr old David Baxter(20-8,3.19) did more than just step in. Bill Essex(18-9,3.68) also pitched well. 1B Frank Downey(.311,8,78) and C Eric Whorton(.353,3,81) along with LF Luke Mills(.330,2,79) led a much improved offense. Young LF Roy Thomas(.262,0,20) just wasnt ready to be an everyday player and Mills was a pleasant suprise. PITTSBURGH- P.McBride(10-14,3.00) is a good pitcher and offensively they have superman J.Pounders(.390,1,55) a 3-time MVP. Pounders missed 30 some games last year so if he is healthy look for the Pirates to move up. Prediction: 3rd PITTSBURGH(TIED 5TH-6TH)- Paul McBride(23-13,3.17) might be better than just good.Jere Pounders(.429,2,69) became the 1st man to hit .400 and won his 4th MVP in 5 years. Pounders is the class of baseball right now. ST.LOUIS- Pitching will be a problem this year. J.Burke this years #1 pick overall will platoon at 3B as a rookie. He is 23. Prediction: 6th ST.LOUIS(TIED 3RD-4TH)- Pitching was a problem as expected but 3B Daniel Bell(.414,2,69) was the only other man to hit over .400, Jimmy Burke hit .331 in 75 games.

11-03-2004, 11:18 PM	#2
redmachine Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 145	1906 PREVIEW....... AMERICAN LEAGUE..... BOSTON(A)- The Sox are coming off of 2 straight AL pennant and a World Series win over the Giants in 1904. J.Kayser(11-18,3.65), and R.Roberts(19-11,3.52) are just 22 and 26 years old and should carry the Sox. W.Whang(17-7,3.40) however will start the season in the bullpen. At 35, Whang's best days are behind him including a CY YOUNG in 1904. 3B R.Searles(.369,3,67) should have another good year but the hitting is down from last year. PREDICTION: 3RD CHICAGO(A)- The Sox are again hanging their hat on the pitching of W.Hoose(18-21,3.69), G.Murphy(15-11,3.80), and B.Primus(14-12,3.69). 24yr old C Billy Sullivan, 2B R.Bosley and RF S.McAllister should give them just enough to over take Boston. PREDICTION: 2nd CLEVELAND- T.Housel returns as one of the best pitchers in the league. 1904 ROY Arthur George(.389,1,46) is just 25yrs old. Not nearly enough pitching or hitting to challange.PREDICTION: 7TH DETROIT- The Tigers think 1904 MVP Sam Crawford(.351,1,38) is back to 100% after missing 60 games last year. 3B S.Alton(.310,7,58) should also drive in some runs. So if they could get some pitching.....PREDICTION: 6TH NEW YORK(A)- The Yankees have the best pitching in baseball with Josh Oppenheimer(20-12,3.29), S.Martin(21-13,2.49) and M.Blackwood(16-16,3.65). Oppenheimer won the CY YOUNG in 1902. Lack of hitting could be a problem but we think not. PREDICTION: 1ST PHILADELPHIA(A)- Average pitching plus average hitting equal middle of the pack for the A's. 2-time MVP Jerry Carstensen(.379,4,92) could make a difference however. Carstensen won the MVP last year and also won it in 1902 with the Whitesox. PREDICTION: 4TH ST.LOUIS(A)- Victor Clark(20-15,3.29) and Mark Dantzler(21-11,3.54) give the Browns 2 20-game winners but they lack meat in the middle of the everyday lineup. Rookie 1B Walter Backus could evolve into a great hitter. PREDICTION: 5TH WASHINGTON- Samuel Warren(13-17,3.49) could have a breakout year if he gets some run support. PREDICTION: 8TH NATIONAL LEAGUE..... BOSTON(N)- Vic Willis(14-15,3.31) is a year older at 21. Could this be the year he breaks out? Look for the Braves to have another high draft pick. PREDICTION: 7TH BROOKLYN- Manager Ned Hanlon's Dodgers have never finished lower than 3rd in the NL, winning the Pennant in 1902 before there was a World Series. F.Smith(20-10,3.10) will again be asked to carry the load on the mound. C Antoine Marzano(.344,4,80) is a 3-time allstar and 2-time Gold Glover. While Armand Sydow(.381,2,76) is a 2-time allstar and 2-time Gold Glover at 3B. This looks like the year they fall below 3rd. PREDICTION: 3RD CHICAGO(N)- Again lack both pitching and hitting to compete. #1 pick overall Jimmy Sheckard will start the year in AA. PREDICTION: 6TH CINCINNATI- The Reds have been the doormat of the NL the last 2 year and seem to be somewhat improved. No real stars but some good young talent on the farm. PREDICTION:5TH NEW YORK(N)- 1904 CY winner J.Warman will miss the 1st month of the season with the same back injury that sidelined him in July of last year. C.Shorey(23-16,3.75) is back but the Giants pitching isnt what it used to be. 3B S.Strang(.381,0,83), SS B.Keefer.365,6,97), LF E.Dacus(.348,3,78) and RF R.Hallam(.317,8,104) will still pound opposing pitchers. Hallam became the first player ever to drive in 100 runs last year. Will this be the year the Giants lose their strangle hold over the NL. PREDICTION: 1ST PHILADELPHIA(N)- David Baxter(21-15,3.81) leads a better than average pitching staff. Hitting will be a problem however as talented youngsters R.Nicholas and Roy Thomas aren't quite ready.PREDICTION: 4TH PITTSBURGH- P.McBride23-13,3.17) will anchor a good staff and 25yr old prospect Lawrence Galusha has good stuff. The Pirates hitting has a mixture of veterans like Jere Pounders(.429,2,69) the 4-time MVP and talented youngsters like Cy Seymour(.333,1,67) and Honus Wagner(.273,2,35). Seymour won the ROY last year after coming over in a trade from the Reds. It may be a year to early for the Pirates but i dont think it will be long. The Pirates won the 1st ever NL Pennant in 1901. PREDICTION: 2ND ST.LOUIS(N)- RF Buddy Robeson(.273,2,46) is the all-time homerun hitter with 35. And thats the highlight of the sorry looking Cards. PREDICTION 8TH

11-04-2004, 03:02 AM	#3
redmachine Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 145	1906 REVIEW.......... NATIONAL LEAGUE- In the most exciting pennant race to date, Brooklyn, Pittsburgh,and Philadelphia all finished with the same record. Defending champion New York was just 1 game back. Pittsburgh lost the tie breaker so Brooklyn and Philly played a 1 game playoff in Philadelphia. Both teams sent their aces as the Dodgers sent Harry Beauford(26-10,2.86) against David Baxter(16-11,3.55) of the Phillies. Beauford won his 16th straight decision and the Dodgers were the NL champs. AMERICAN LEAGUE- The Yankees pitching was to much for the rest of the league as they won the AL pennant by 3 games over the defending Al Champion Red Sox. Josh Oppenheimer and Stephan Martin were 20-game winners for the Yanks. CF David Parker(.375,4,112) led the league in RBI and won the MVP. Parker is 35 and easily had his best year as a Yankee. WORLD SERIES- The Yankees dominated the Pirates and won in 5 games. Josh Oppenheimer went 2-0 and was awarded the Post Season MVP. AWARDS- AL MVP- DAVID PARKER(NYA)- .375,4HR,112RBI AL CY- SAMUEL WARREN(WAS)- 24-10,2.96 AL ROY- ROBERT IKNER(DET)- .329,1HR,46RBI...IKNER WAS THE 6TH PLAYER TAKEN IN THIS YEARS DRAFT. AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR- JIMMY MCALEER(CLE)- This is McAleer's 2nd time he has won the award despite never finishing above 4th. NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR- NED HANLON(BRO)- This is Hanlon's 2nd award also. He won it in 1902 when the Dodgers won their other pennant. NL MVP- BILL KEEFER(NYG)- .418,4HR,116RBI- Keefer has now won 3 Rings, 2 MVP, ROY, 1 Gold Glove, 1 World Series MVP and been an allstar 4 year. The guy is only 24 and been in the league just 4 years. NL CY- HOWARD BEAUFORD(BRO)- 27-10, 2.86- NL ROY- JIM SAINE(BSN)- 16-11, 3.26 NEWS AND NOTES.......... The Chicago Cubs fired manager Tom Loftus. Loftus had a career record of 417-463 in 6 years with the Cubs. Frank Chance was hired as the new manager. The Boston Braves also fired their manager Frank Selee(411-468). Selee had been with the Braves since the inception. Fred Teney was hired as the new manager.