Hurkman's Baseball-An Interactive Journey Throughout the Century - Page 9

metsgeek · 07-05-2006, 08:25 AM

Say it ain't so, Joe!

On another note, isn't "Shamus" supposed to be spelled like this: "Seamas"? I could be wrong.

beltre13 · 07-05-2006, 10:02 AM

Quote:

On another note, isn't "Shamus" supposed to be spelled like this: "Seamas"? I could be wrong.

well before i made shamus, i went looking up irish names (my heritage) and i found shamus, although it can also be spelled seamus. i just like shamus better

Sir Lurksalot · 07-05-2006, 10:25 AM

Poor Joe can't catch a break even in a simulation...

Splitter24 · 07-05-2006, 12:53 PM

Stuart Adamson says let's win it for Joe!!

lewis31lewis52 · 07-05-2006, 01:14 PM

Well, there goes one of our best hitters.

Hope Feldbush can light it up in the playoffs.

Hurkman · 07-05-2006, 03:20 PM

Let me tell you all something before I update again. I always, and I mean always root for Joe Jackson in these simulations. I've always seen him as the most sympathetic case out of the Black Sox, and and when this happened, I was shocked. So shocked, that I even thought about playing God and undoing the injury, but I decided to let the chips fall where they may, and so Shoeless Joe now becomes one of the great "what-if" stories in my baseball world.

Also, don't think I'm going to pass up a chance to still use "say it ain't so, Joe." I'll find a way to throw that in during the World Series in some way, shape, or form.

Hurkman · 07-05-2006, 04:28 PM

Star/Prospect Watch

Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Cubs

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
  
Year     G   AB    H  2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1902   113  406  110   8  2  1  39  51  30  2  4   94  3  3 .271 .321 .308 .629 CHN
1903   112  376   98  23  3  4  49  40  42  2  3  117  4  1 .261 .336 .370 .705 CHN
1904   144  549  119  24  2  3  73  50  47  4  2  176  5  2 .217 .282 .284 .567 CHN
1905   141  511  153  29  4  5  78  64  61  1  2  107  3  2 .299 .374 .401 .775 CHN
1906   135  478  151  27  6  3  75  67  69  0  2   89  3  0 .316 .401 .416 .817 CHN
1907   147  522  197  37  3  4  89  62  73  3  7  104  5  0 .377 .451 .483 .934 CHN
1908   148  536  183  40  1  2  61  61  64  1  6  109  6  0 .341 .409 .431 .840 CHN
1909   145  517  179  38  2  2  64  76  79  4  2  121  9  1 .346 .435 .439 .874 CHN
1910   148  525  186  36  6  4  72  67  69  1  2  112  4  7 .354 .429 .469 .897 CHN
1911   151  535  178  41  1  5  83  70  83  3  3  111  4  0 .333 .423 .441 .864 CHN
1912   147  540  184  43  6  4  65  81  80  4  3  120  2  3 .341 .427 .465 .892 CHN
1913   144  519  171  40  4  3  87  76  77  1  6   83  2  4 .329 .413 .439 .852 CHN
1914   143  510  165  27  0  3  83  67  81  2  5  101  3  3 .324 .415 .394 .809 CHN
Total 1818 6524 2074 413 40 43 918 832 855 28 47 1444 53 26 .318 .397 .413 .810 

Starting Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 82/96/28/52/36
Current Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 82/92/19/53/34
 					       -4 -9 +1 -2

Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):         89/93/22/60/34
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 89/93/22/60/34

Dieter recovered from his slow start to post another excellent season for the Chicago Cubs. He reached 2,000 hits in the middle of July, also during the middle of a 24 game hitting streak, the longest in Cubs history. When Eddie Collins went down with an injury in August, Dieter again took over as the leader of the Cubs, getting them to within a game and a half of New York before the Giants were able to pull away. One item that may be of concern for Dieter is the conflict over in Europe and the concern over his German heritage. Most fans should be tolerant, as long as Germany doesn't behave aggressively to the United States, but the conflict must be weighing heavily on Dieter's mind.

Clive Woodstock, 1B/RF-St. Louis Cardinals

Code:

Career Batting Stats  
 
Year     G   AB    H  2B 3B  HR RBI   R  BB  HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1903   140  524  136  30  0   4  57  66  42   9  5  131  3  1 .260 .322 .340 .662  SLN
1904   139  515  113  28  1   4  63  40  40   6  8  118  2  1 .219 .279 .301 .580  SLN
1905   147  548  159  26  1   6  64  50  44   8  7  105  1  0 .290 .348 .374 .722  SLN
1906   151  570  146  19  0   7  67  54  47  12  6  124  0  0 .256 .323 .326 .649  SLN
1907   147  532  124  18  0   5  57  47  44   5  8  122  1  0 .233 .294 .295 .589  SLN
1908   145  531  109  18  0  12  70  43  36   9  6  143  1  0 .205 .265 .307 .572  SLN
1909   145  534  133  24  0   8  79  56  59  16  8  127  0  0 .249 .337 .339 .676  SLN
1910   145  513  120  12  0   7  82  45  71  10  4  132  1  0 .234 .336 .298 .634  SLN
1911   147  527  145  25  2  16 103  67  77  15  7  112  0  0 .275 .379 .421 .800  SLN
1912   145  517  124  25  0  15  76  56  75  11  4  133  1  0 .240 .346 .375 .721  SLN
1913   142  506  111  18  1  14  55  66  64  11  2  126  0  0 .219 .319 .342 .661  SLN
1914   110  365   68   7  2   8  40  31  42   9  5   96  0  2 .186 .283 .282 .565  SLN
Total 1703 6182 1488 250  7 106 813 621 641 121 70 1469 10  4 .241 .321 .335 .656 

Starting Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 47/38/74/45/54
Current Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 45/38/74/45/46
					    -2          -8
 
Total Talent Ratings (July 1914): 	  53/40/81/51/51
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 53/40/81/51/51

The less said about Clive Woodstock's season, the better. St. Louis fans are up in arms, trying to get management to release or trade him, and while they haven't done that yet, they have stopped starting him against left handed pitchers. The Cardinals once again have the first overall pick in the amateur draft this offseason, and most people are looking for them to select a right fielder, effectively ending Woodstock's time as a Cardinal.

Stuart Adamson, CF-New York Giants

Code:

Career Batting Stats 

Year     G   AB    H  2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF    K  SB  CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams  
1904   105  352   89   6  3  1  15  44  19  2  1   97  46  10 .253 .294 .295 .590  SLN
1905   141  553  129  12  8  2  52  60  29  3  2  157  44  10 .233 .274 .295 .569  SLN
1906   144  564  139  14  3  4  44  66  47  3  3  148  57  12 .246 .306 .303 .610  SLN
1907   145  518  124  15  3  2  49  56  44  4  4  130  60  12 .239 .302 .292 .593  SLN
1908   149  549  151  15  6 14  66  70  55  3  2  156  60  22 .275 .343 .401 .744  SLN
1909    89  159   37   4  3  2  12  24  28  1  1   59  15   5 .233 .349 .333 .683  SLN
1910   144  503  131  22  2  9  51  71  79  1  2  144  56  13 .260 .361 .366 .726 SLN NYG
1911   132  482  138  23  6 14  85  78  81  3  4  151  55  20 .286 .389 .446 .836  NYG
1912   150  533  160  26  6 15  98 106 109  8  8  149  82  10 .300 .421 .456 .877  NYG
1913   149  532  163  23 12 10  71 110 102  4  6  144  77  22 .306 .418 .451 .869  NYG
1914   150  563  153  20 11 14  83 103 110  4  8  172  90  15 .272 .390 .421 .811  NYG
Total 1498 5308 1414 180 63 87 626 788 703 36 41 1507 642 151 .266 .354 .373 .727

Starting Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 92/78/82/69/46
Current Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 89/74/76/69/44
					    -3 -4 -6   -2
					   
Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):  	  90/81/75/77/40
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 90/81/75/77/40

When Joe Jackson went down at the end of August, Stuart Adamson was looked upon to take up the weight that his team needed him to, and he did not disappoint. Adamson helped guide the Giants to their first World Series, and led the major leagues in both home runs and stolen bases. He also set a new career high for strikeouts in a season, however, and he will have to continue his leadership role without Joe Jackson throughout the World Series and for the rest of his time as a Giant.

Don Ayers, 2B-Cleveland Bronchos

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year     G   AB    H  2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams  
1905    52   84   24   3  1  0  14  10  10  0  0  26   2  2 .286 .362 .345 .707  CLE
1906    62   98   21   4  1  0  11  10   9  2  0  25   3  4 .214 .294 .276 .569  CLE
1907    59   81   18   2  0  0   8  13  10  0  3  21   1  2 .222 .298 .247 .545  CLE
1908   104  343   83  12  5  1  31  30  29  2  3  82   8 11 .242 .302 .315 .617  CLE
1909   142  540  140  28 10  1  58  66  59  6  2 126  21  7 .259 .338 .354 .691  CLE
1910   146  549  141  18  5  5  89  82  89  4  3 140  18  7 .257 .363 .335 .698  CLE
1911   144  546  172  25  8  3 106  85  66  6  4 111  25 13 .315 .392 .407 .799  CLE
1912   147  535  155  27  2  6  74  89  86  6  6 122  15 12 .290 .390 .381 .772  CLE
1913   147  524  155  23  7  5  71  72  71  5  6  97  20 14 .296 .381 .395 .776  CLE
1914   141  542  157  22  5  6  80  89  81  3  7 119  13 17 .290 .381 .382 .763  CLE
Total 1144 3842 1066 164 44 27 542 546 510 34 34 869 126 89 .277 .364 .364 .728

Starting Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 75/65/34/63/62
Current Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 74/65/38/64/61
					    -1    +4 +1 -1

Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):  	  80/65/50/75/70
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 80/65/50/75/70

With Ty Cobb out for the World Series, even more pressure will be placed upon Don Ayers to finally bring home a championship to the city of Cleveland. He has a .172 batting average in Cleveland's last four World Series, but he did finish in the top three in home runs, batting average, runs batted in and runs scored for the Bronchos, so most fans believe that this time will be when Ayers can finally make something happen in the playoffs.

Sandford Freshlam, SP-Washington Senators

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year    G  GS  W  L SV   ERA     IP   HA   R   ER  HR  BB   K  CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 
1906    6   0  0  1  1 11.57    7.0   10   9    9   1   7   0   0   0 2.43 .310  WSH
1907    1   0  0  0  0  0.00    2.0    1   0    0   0   0   1   0   0 0.50 .167  WSH
1908			PITCHED IN A BALL		       	 
1909			PITCHED IN AA BALL
1910			PITCHED IN AA BALL
1911			PITCHED IN AA BALL
1912   34  34 17 14  0  3.52  288.2  242 137  113  25 114 287  27   5 1.23 .287  WSH
1913   42  42 18 20  0  3.64  353.1  294 157  143  45  84 326  35   3 1.07 .269  WSH
1914   41  41 17 17  0  2.62  356.2  267 111  104  31  53 353  32   4 0.90 .260  WSH
Total 124 117 52 52  1  3.30 1007.2  814 414  369 102 258 967  94  12 1.06 .272

Starting Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement):  99/99/57
Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement):  98/99/62
					  -1    +5

Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):          99/164/57
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	      	  95/164/57
					  -4

It seems as if an average record is all Sandford is ever going to be able to earn himself while in Washington. Even on a team that won just 65 games, Sandford shined, leading the American League once again in strikeouts and striking fear into the hearts of opposing batters the league over. Now all he needs in the nation's capitol is a supporting pitching staff and an offense, and he'll be ready to become one of the elite pitchers in all of baseball.

Ludwig Van Cleef, SP-New York Giants

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
 
Year    G GS  W  L SV  ERA    IP  HA   R  ER HR  BB   K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 
1907    1  0  0  0  0 0.00   3.1   0   0   0  0   3   2  0   0 0.90 .000  NYG 
1908			PITCHED IN AA BALL			
1909			PITCHED IN AAA BALL
1910    1  0  0  0  0 0.00   1.0   0   0   0  0   0   0  0   0 0.00 .000  NYG
1911   17  2  0  5  5 8.10  30.0  30  27  27  4  29  19  0   0 1.97 .277  NYG
1912   31 12 11  6  7 1.96 133.1  78  32  29  2  55 145 11   2 1.00 .244  NYG
1913   40 40 25 11  0 2.54 339.2 230 105  96 13 119 387 30   9 1.03 .273  NYG
1914   42 42 27  5  0 1.95 368.2 228  83  80 12  81 397 26   7 0.84 .247  NYG
Total 132 96 63 27 12 2.38 876.0 566 247 232 31 287 950 67  18 0.97 .257

Starting Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement):  99/72/86
Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement):  99/80/88
					      +8 +2

Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):  	  103/135/88
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 103/135/88

A pitching season for the ages is the only way to describe Ludwig Van Cleef's 1914 regular season. His 27 wins were the best in baseball, and his 397 strikeouts set a new major league record. Not only that, his control has become even more superb, leaving many batters wondering how he can throw like he does. Now, going into his first ever World Series, the Giants will need him more than ever to bring home the championship.

Christian Gray, SS-St. Louis Browns

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year    G   AB   H 2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1908    5   11   0  0  0  0   0   0   1  0  0   6   0  1 .000 .083 .000 .083  SLA
1909    5   12   2  0  0  0   2   3   4  0  0   3   2  0 .167 .375 .167 .542  SLA
1910   30   91  10  1  0  0   9   9   5  1  0  31   6  2 .110 .165 .121 .286  SLA
1911  138  533 117 13  8  4  53  72  43  1  1 165  46  9 .220 .279 .296 .575  SLA
1912  146  587 179 26  6  6  65  94  50  4  0 156  78 16 .305 .363 .400 .764  SLA
1913  147  555 199 21  8  4  75 100  61  4  3 101  68 21 .359 .424 .447 .871  SLA
1914  139  521 136 11  4  2  62  73  59  5  4 103  65 17 .261 .340 .309 .649  SLA
Total 610 2310 643 72 26 16 266 351 223 15  8 565 265 66 .278 .345 .353 .697

Starting Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 69/44/28/39/30
Current Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 68/44/28/39/29
					    -1          -1
					  
Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):         74/40/22/63/22
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 74/40/22/63/22

Christian never fully recovered from his broken hand suffered before the season, and the Browns were never the same. His batting average dropped almost .100 points, leaving some to wonder if last year's amazing performance was just a mirage. Even though St. Louis' season is over, Christian is already preparing for next year, with the hope that he will once again be able to rise to the ranks of the top batters in baseball.

Fletcher Parslofski, LF-Philadelphia Phillies

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year    G  AB   H 2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1909    2   3   0  0  0  0   0   0   1  0  0   2  0  0 .000 .250 .000 .250 PHI
1910    0   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0   0  0  0 .000 .000 .000 .000 PHI
1911   17  22   3  1  0  0   1   3   8  0  0   4  0  0 .136 .367 .182 .548 PHI
1912   38  53  11  3  0  0   9   2   9  0  0   8  0  0 .208 .323 .264 .587 PHI
1913  116 373 103 13  5  8  40  51  66  2  0  50  2  1 .276 .388 .402 .790 PHI
1914  145 496 117 22  3  6  62  59 101  2  6  60  5  0 .236 .364 .329 .692 PHI
Total 318 947 234 39  8 14 112 115 185  4  6 124  7  1 .247 .370 .350 .720

Starting Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 71/71/47/87/79
Current Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 73/75/47/91/79
					    +2 +4    +4

Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):  	  79/78/50/99/75
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 79/78/50/99/75

Fletcher led the Phillies in home runs and runs batted in, and had over 100 walks, but that's where the praises stopped for him this season. Philadelphia management wants him to spend less time determining whether the pitch is a ball or strike, and more time making contact and getting hits. He's still a young player, so these things should come in time, but for now, it is very frustrating to watch him have almost as many walks as hits.

Michael Feldbush, 2B-New York Giants

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year    G   AB   H  2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1910   97  241  53  13  3  2  28  25  21  3  1  82  15  8 .220 .289 .324 .613 NYG
1911  103  266  68  14  4  2  30  43  52  4  1  61  14 10 .256 .384 .361 .745 NYG
1912  147  532 139  20  6  4  67  80  89  2  5 123  42 20 .261 .366 .344 .710 NYG
1913  149  565 170  40  6  4  49 104  85  2  2 103  43 16 .301 .393 .414 .807 NYG
1914  150  569 138  19  6  4  61  81  87  8  3 107  47 18 .243 .349 .318 .667 NYG
Total 646 2173 568 106 25 16 235 333 334 19 12 476 161 72 .261 .363 .355 .718

Starting Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 70/65/31/62/63
Current Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 76/63/34/63/67
					    +6 -2 +3 +1 +4
			
Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):  	  90/55/45/80/71
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 90/55/45/80/71

Few people took the loss of Joe Jackson harder than Michael Feldbush, and it just added to an already dismal season. Michael had his worst batting season since his rookie year, although he was showing signs of coming out of his funk at the end of the season. He's dedicating his performance in the World Series to Joe Jackson, so hopefully he can perform better in the playoffs than he did in the regular season.

Killian Ditty, 3B-Boston Braves

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year   G  AB  H 2B 3B HR RBI  R BB HP SF  K SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1911   2   0  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 .000 .000 .000 .000  PHI
1912   1   1  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 .000 .000 .000 .000  PHI
1913  13  31 12  4  0  0   7  6  6  0  0  8  0  0 .387 .486 .516 1.003 PHI BSN
1914  23  70 19  3  0  0   6  5  7  0  0 16  0  0 .271 .338 .314 .652  BSN
Total 39 102 31  7  0  0  13 11 13  0  0 24  0  0 .304 .383 .373 .755

Starting Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 43/64/44/36/52
Current Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 46/66/44/36/52
					    +3 +2
					 
Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):  	   90/109/49/67/55
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	  90/109/49/67/55

Ditty played a very limited schedule with the Braves in 1914, but didn't perform too badly. However, it wasn't enough to impress team officials, and he was sent back down to Class AAA at the end of the season. He'll probably start 1915 down there as well, but if he is given the proper time to develop, he could still become a great third baseman.

Shamus O'Brien, SP-St. Louis Cardinals

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 

Year   G GS  W L SV  ERA    IP  HA  R ER HR BB   K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 
1912  12  0  1 1  0 3.95  13.2  12  6  6  3  9  10  0   0 1.54 .243  SLN
1913  31  0  2 3  0 3.02  44.2  38 16 15  6 11  25  0   0 1.10 .237  SLN
1914  26 11  8 5  3 2.98  90.2  82 31 30  9 38  71  2   0 1.32 .292  SLN
Total 69 11 11 9  3 3.08 149.0 132 53 51 18 58 106  2   0 1.28 .270

Starting Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 51/50/82
Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 54/50/84
					  +3    +2	

Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):         110/71/76
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 110/71/76

In July, after two years of complaints, Shamus O'Brien was finally given the chance to start by the St. Louis Cardinals. Although he only started 11 games all season, Shamus did not disappoint, showing the skills and ferocity that made him such a coveted pick back in 1912. His attitude about the St. Louis organization, however, has not changed much, and he still believes them to be a dead-end team. What does he think can pull them up from the cellar? More of him pitching, of course.

Jamee Gray, SS-Boston Braves

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year    G  AB   H 2B 3B HR RBI  R BB HP SF   K SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1913   11  41   7  1  0  1   4  3  0  0  0  15  0  0 .171 .171 .268 .439 BSN
1914  145 538 128 21  1  2  69 50 39 10  5 137  1  0 .238 .299 .292 .591 BSN
Total 156 579 135 22  1  3  73 53 39 10  5 152  1  0 .233 .291 .290 .581

Starting Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 54/60/42/34/43
Current Ratings (Cont/Gap/Pow/Eye/Avoid K): 55/64/45/35/43
					    +1 +4 +3 +1	
					 
Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):  	   87/65/100/55/44
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	  87/65/100/55/44

The Boston Braves learned a lot from watching Jamee Gray start at shortstop for most of the year. For starters, they should have learned that Gray is not yet ready to be a full time player. However, Boston is severly short on talent at all the infield positions, so that means that Gray will have to learn from his mistakes and continue starting, at least until the Braves find someone more capable.

Justin Williamson, SP-St. Louis Cardinals

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 
1914			PITCHED IN AA BALL

Starting Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 28/36/57
Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 45/41/70
					 +17 +5 +13

Total Talent Ratings (July 1914):         100/65/85
Total Talent Ratings (NOW):	     	 100/65/66
						-19

Justin returned from his injury to pitch better in Class AA ball, although it seemed like he had lost some of the movement that his pitches once had. However, he showed a great ability to grasp the game at a major league level, and should his development continue like this, Shamus O'Brien may just have a great compliment in the pitching staff to go alongside him.

beltre13 · 07-05-2006, 05:23 PM

hopefully shamus can finally stay in the rotation next season, because he will become the greatest pitcher of all time!

metsgeek · 07-05-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beltre13

hopefully shamus can finally stay in the rotation next season, because he will become the greatest pitcher of all time!

I think Van Cleef has a head start in that race.

Hurkman · 07-06-2006, 02:23 AM

World Series Matchup-1914

American League Champions-Cleveland Bronchos (97-57)

Overall Batting Avg.- .268
Overall ERA- 2.89

Leading Batters
Ty Cobb-CF: .351, 3 HR, 73 RBI, 66 SB (Out for World Series)
Ed Konetchy-1B: .325, 4 HR, 90 RBI, 34 SB
Don Ayers-2B: .290, 6 HR, 80 RBI

Leading Pitchers
Johnny Lush: 25-9, 331.2 IP, 2.23 ERA, 134 K
Rube Foster: 20-7, 241.2 IP, 3.58 ERA, 98 K
Orlie Weaver: 18-16, 362 IP, 2.86 ERA, 273 K

National League Champions-New York Giants (95-59)

Overall Batting Avg.- .249
Overall ERA- 2.84

Leading Batters
Joe Jackson-LF: .340, 4 HR, 86 RBI, 56 SB (Out for World Series/Career)
Stuart Adamson-CF: .272, 14 HR, 83 RBI, 90 SB
Heinie Groh-3B: .300, 0 HR, 77 RBI

Leading Pitchers
Ludwig Van Cleef: 27-5, 368.2 IP, 1.95 ERA, 397 K
Tom Fisher: 23-12, 346.1 IP, 2.55 ERA, 154 K
Glenn Liebhardt: 16-12, 273 IP, 3.36 ERA, 106 K

Analysis and Prediction
When these teams were leading their respective leagues at the end of August, no one would have expected them both to make it to the World Series without their stars on offense. One of these teams will win their first World Series, but the bigger story is which team can survive the loss of their driving force at the plate. When looking at both teams, Cleveland has the postseason experience, but is burdened by the failures of their past.

Meanwhile, New York is a relatively young team, but may still be in shock over the loss of Joe Jackson. That being said, the Giants do have a better overall pitching staff, and Stuart Adamson can carry enough of Jackson's load. Cleveland will have to beat Ludwig Van Cleef at least twice to win this series, and very few can see that happening.

Prediction: Giants in 6

Hurkman · 07-06-2006, 02:58 AM

1914 World Series

Game 1-10/10/1914: Bronchos-1 Giants-2

Before the start of their very first World Series game, the Giants got a visit from Joe Jackson, who, despite not being able to walk again yet, managed to stand from his wheelchair and give a rallying speech to his teammates. He told the story about the first time he came out of the hospital in New York and he was approached by a young boy. With tears in his eyes, the child pleaded with him, crying, "say it ain't so, Joe!" Jackson looked at the boy and nodded, saying, "I'm afraid it is so, lad, but don't you worry, 'cause the Giants are still going to win us a World Series!"

If the Giants were inspired by Jackson's pregame speech, they didn't show it in the first inning, as surprising starter Christy Mathewson gave up an early run on a Bobby Veach single that scored Ed Konetchy. What was even more serious was that Mathewson had hurt himself on the final pitch of the first inning, and manager John McGraw went to rarely used pitcher Roy Mitchell. Mitchell, who had only pitched 17 innings all season, was outstanding, throwing eight shutout innings and striking out 10, which was more than his entire regular season total. The Giants tied the game in the bottom of the first following a Vic Saier single that plated Michael Feldbush. Stuart Adamson gave New York the lead for good in the second when he drove in Mitchell with the game's final run. Orlie Weaver was solid in a complete game effort for Cleveland, but nothing could have prepared the Bronchos for Roy Mitchell in Game 1.

W: Roy Mitchell L: Orlie Weaver

Game 2-10/11/1914: Bronchos-0 Giants-2

Game Two was yet another pitching duel, this time pitting the two best pitchers of 1914 against each other. Ludwig Van Cleef took the mound for New York, opposed by Johnny Lush for Cleveland, and from the first inning, the battle was on.

Both Van Cleef and Lush pitched masterfully, with 11 strikeouts combined in two complete game efforts. Neither team could even manage a threat until the bottom of the sixth, when, after Cleveland intentionally walked Stuart Adamson, Michael Feldbush smacked a single to right, scoring both Ray Chapman and Bill O'Hara to give New York a 2-0 lead. Feldbush's offense would be all Van Cleef would need, as he mowed down the Bronchos in the last three innings to preserve the shutout win.

W: Ludwig Van Cleef L: Johnny Lush

Game 3-10/13/1914: Giants-6 Bronchos-1

Two days later, the teams met again, this time in Cleveland, where Bronchos fans were hoping that this would not be a repeat of past World Series. However, despite a fine pitching performance by Rube Foster, their fears came to pass in the top of the third inning, when, following a Ray Champman walk and a Richard Cotter single, Michael Feldbush stepped up and drove in both men, giving him four runs batted in in the past two games. Feldbush would later score himself on a two run single by Bill O'Hara, and the Giants were up 4-0.

Cleveland's offense woes continued, as they stretched their World Series scoreless streak to 25 innings without a run, finally scoring for the first time since the first inning of Game One on a Don Ayers ground out that brought home Ed Konetchy. By that time, the score was 6-1, and Tom Fisher quickly settled down, retiring Larry McLean to end the game and give the Giants a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. Fisher pitched a complete game, striking out three while scattering seven Cleveland hits.

W: Tom Fisher L: Rube Foster

Game 4-10/14/1914: Giants-8 Bronchos-7

In the highest scoring game of the World Series, it appeared as if the Giants would again be able to walk all over Cleveland, scoring twice in the first on a Stuart Adamson single off of Game One starter Orlie Weaver. Adamson would drive in Michael Feldbush in the third to make it 3-0, and many fans in Cleveland already had that sense that the game was over.

However, in the bottom of the third, Ed Konetchy doubled off of Glenn Liebhardt, scoring two, and not only matching the entire Cleveland offensive output of the World Series, but actually giving them a chance to win Game Four. New York would make it 4-2 on a Richard Cotter single in the fourth, then would add three more in the fifth to make the score 7-2. It appeared as if Cleveland were finished, but the Bronchos finally found a hole in the Giants' armor, scoring four times in the bottom of the same inning on a Bobby Veach double and Don Ayers sacrifice to make it a one run game. It remained that way until the ninth inning, when Heinie Groh singled in Vic Saier to give the Giants a little breathing room. It turns out they would need it, because, in the bottom of the ninth, Cleveland would not go quietly.

With Glenn Liebhardt still pitching, Steve Evans led off the inning with a single. Then, following an Ed Konetchy strikeout and a fly out by Bobby Veach, Don Ayers came to the plate and smacked a double off the center field wall that made it an 8-7. Pinch hitter Jack Graney came up to the plate with a chance to tie the game, but when the ball landed in Stuart Adamson's glove, the game, and the World Series, was over. The New York Giants had won one for Joe, and completed an incredible turn around started just four seasons before.

W: Glenn Liebhardt L: Orlie Weaver

Series MVP: Michael Feldbush- .412, 4 RBI, 4 Runs Scored

1914 World Series Champions: New York Giants
First Championship

Bryan Swartz · 07-06-2006, 03:05 AM

Outstanding! I was pulling for Cleveland, but find it hard to be dissapointed.

beltre13 · 07-06-2006, 10:15 AM

well at least new york can dedicated the world series to joe jackson

Splitter24 · 07-06-2006, 12:40 PM

Way to win one for Joe... and a ring for Stuart Adamson!

lewis31lewis52 · 07-06-2006, 02:49 PM

Yes, I won the MVP!

That one was for Joe.

Hurkman · 07-06-2006, 06:40 PM

End of the Year Awards

Rookie of the Year
American League ROY: Jeff Pfeffer, SP (BSA)- This year's American League Rookie of the Year fell under some controversy, as Pfeffer was actually drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the amateur draft, and was only traded to Boston in the middle of July. However, American League officials decided that his performance with Boston was still enough to earn the Rookie of the Year Award. Before coming to Boston, Pfeffer's record was a sad 7-11. After coming to Boston, while he did not finish with a .500 record, he did go 10-7 to make his overall record 17-18. He also finished with a 3.16 ERA and 135 strikeouts, giving Red Sox fans hope that maybe they can get to a World Series very soon.

National League ROY: Henry Keupper, SP (CHN)- Little was expected out of Chicago, as well as Keupper, a late second round pick, this season. What ended up happening instead was a shocking return by the Cubs to the top tier of the National League, and Keupper was a major factor in that rise. In his rookie season, Keupper finished with a 20-11 record, a 2.50 ERA and 121 strikeouts. He may already be 27, but the Cubs certainly found a solid pitcher to help bolster their rotation.

Most Valuable Pitcher
American League MVP: Johnny Lush, SP (CLE)- The Cleveland Bronchos again fell short in the World Series, but Johnny Lush, while he did not win his only start, did manage an excellent regular season effort well worthy of the Most Valuable Pitcher Award. Lush went 25-9 for the Bronchos during the regular season, including a 2.23 ERA, 134 strikeouts and 5 shutouts! Cleveland has been a contender for the AL pennant for almost a decade now, and with Johnny Lush at the top of their pitching staff, they should continue their dominance.

National League MVP: Ludwig Van Cleef, SP (NYG)- As if this award were even in doubt. Van Cleef had the best pitching season in New York Giants, and possibly in National League history in 1914, guiding the Giants to their first World Series victory. Ludwig was practically unhittable all season, going 15-1 during the first half of the season, and finishing with an outstanding 27-5 record! He also had a mind boggling ERA of 1.95, as well as 397 strikeouts, a new major league record! In just two full seasons as a starting pitcher, Van Cleef has won two Most Valuable Pitcher Awards, and the Giants have won a World Series. What a time to be a Giants fan.

Most Valuable Batter
American League MVB: Ty Cobb, CF (CLE)- It appeared that Ty Cobb was on pace for another record breaking season and trip to the World Series in 1914, but then he found the one thing that could slow him down. Despite watching Cleveland lose in the playoffs with a broken hand, nothing could dampen what Cobb was able to accomplish in the regular season. In just over 140 games, Cobb finished with 193 hits, good for a .351 batting average, which led the major leagues. He also had 3 home runs, 73 runs batted in and 66 stolen bases, as well as 116 runs scored, all good for top five finishes in the American League. In his nine seasons in baseball, this is Cobb's sixth MVB award, further cementing his place as possibly the best hitter of this generation.

National League MVB: Tillie Shafer, SS (PIT)- Shafer is one of the few holdovers remaining from when Pittsburgh was king of the baseball world, and at only 25, he should be around to see them get to the top again. Faced with the challenge of filling Honus Wagner's shoes, Shafer did quite well this season, hitting a National League leading .339 and adding 8 home runs and 79 runs batted in to pace the Pirates. It may take some time for Pittsburgh to get back to the top, but when they do, it will be with Tillie Shafer leading the way.

Gold Glove Award Winners
American League
Pitcher: Rube Foster (CLE)
Catcher: Bill Rariden (WSH)
First Base: Jack Fournier (NYY)
Second Base: Bill Sweeney (BOS)
Third Base: Frank Baker (NYY)
Shortstop: Christian Gray (SLA)
Leftfield: Ward Miller (DET)
Centerfield: Dutch Zwilling (CHA)
Rightfield: Johnny Bates (DET)

National League
Pitcher: Hi West (BSN)
Catcher: Richard Cotter (NYG)
First Base: Shano Collins (SLN)
Second Base: Terry Turner (SLN)
Third Base: Larry Gardner (CIN)
Shortstop: Jamee Gray (BSN)
Leftfield: Fletcher Parslofski (PHI)
Centerfield: Stuart Adamson (NYG)
Rightfield: Bris Lord (PIT)

Top 5 Leaderboard
TOP 5 in BATTING AVG :
.351 Ty Cobb(CLE)
.350 Eddie Collins(CHN)
.340 Joe Jackson(NYG)
.339 Tillie Shafer(PIT)
.335 Tris Speaker(PHA)

TOP 5 in HOMERUNS :
14 Stuart Adamson(NYG)
11 Tris Speaker(PHA)
8 Tillie Shafer(PIT)
7 Jack Fournier( NYY)
7 Tilly Walker(DET)

TOP 5 in RBI :
90 Ed Konetchy(CLE)
86 Joe Jackson(NYG)
83 Dieter Kahle(CHN)
83 Stuart Adamson(NYG)
82 Fred Luderus(BRO)

TOP 5 in ERA :
1.95 Ludwig Van Cleef(NYG)
2.11 Harry Moran(PHI)
2.18 Smokey Joe Wood(SLA)
2.20 Fred Mitchell(BOS)
2.21 George McQuillan(DET)

TOP 5 in WINS :
27 Ludwig Van Cleef(NYG)
25 Johnny Lush(CLE)
24 Smokey Joe Wood(SLA)
23 Tom Fisher(NYG)
23 Nap Rucker(DET)

TOP 5 in SAVES :
21 Lefty Webb(CHA)
12 Harley Young(BRO)
8 Babe Adams(DET)
8 Ralph Caldwell(BOS)
7 Biff Schlitzer(WSH)

Hurkman · 07-10-2006, 03:38 PM

February 1, 1915

News

While the United States is still focused on the national pastime, all of Europe has become held in the grip of war. So far, America has remained neutral during the growing conflict, but there are those throughout the government who believe only American involvement can bring about a swift end to the war. Hopefully, baseball will not have to be pushed to the side to deal with the conflict, and for now, it appears as if Americans will remain spectators for both baseball and the European conflict.

In lighter news, it appears that the American and National Leagues have survived the initial Federal League threat. While some lesser known players have made the jump to the young league, all of the established stars have given any offer made by the Federal League the cold shoulder, further cementing Major League Baseball's dominance over the best baseball players in the country.

Also, in what appears to be an attempt to remove the losing stigma attatched to them, the Cleveland Bronchos have changed their name. From this point on, they are to be called the Cleveland Indians. While some people believe the name change is simply to have people think differently about Cleveland's performances in the World Series, the team is on record saying that the new name "invokes stronger images of power and grace that the Indians that lived in this area in the past embodied, and it is that power and grace that we see our team embodying."

Rookie Watch

While many of the past drafts have been top heavy with pitching talent, the 1915 amateur draft is ripe with the next generation of great hitters. Names like George Sisler, Braggo Roth and Elmer Smith could one day be mentioned in the same breath as Ty Cobb, Dieter Kahle or Nap Lajoie. However, there is one name that stands out above all the others in this draft.

Cristobal Torriente, RF/3B

An immigrant from Cuba, Torriente has talent that very few players before him have had. He already has a reputation as a tremendous bad-ball hitter, and his soft hands and quick feet make him a natural right fielder. The main issue surrounding Torriente is the fact that he is Cuban, and his skin color has stirred up some ill feelings from players and fans. However, once people get to see how well this young man can play, the color of his skin will become an afterthought to what he brings to his new team.

Current Ratings (Contact/Gap/Power/Eye/Avoid K): 45/51/19/27/44
Total Talent Ratings: 96/55/77/71/40

Hurkman · 07-10-2006, 04:36 PM

Draft Results

The St. Louis Cardinals again had the first overall pick in the 1915 draft, and with Cristobal Torriente being both a right fielder and a third baseman, it seemed obvious who they would select. Despite Torriente possibly needing a few years in the minor leagues to fully develop, the Cardinals went with him, basically giving Clive Woodstock a notice about how much more time he has left as a starter. Picking second, the New York Yankees took a giant step in attempting to bring back the glory days of their team by selecting George Sisler. Sisler is already very well established as both a hitter and a first baseman, and should help bring a spark back to a lineup that has been lacking for the past few seasons.

Round One Results
St. Louis (N) pick: RF Cristobal Torriente
New York (A) pick: 1B George Sisler
Washington pick: CF Cy Williams
Philadelphia (A) pick: RF Elmer Smith
Cincinnati pick: RF Braggo Roth
St. Louis (A) pick: CF Edd Roush
Pittsburgh pick: RF Billy Southworth
Boston (N) pick: 1B Wally Pipp
Brooklyn pick: 3B Fred Lear
Philadelphia (N) pick: P George Ruth
Boston (A) pick: 2B Ty Helfrich
Chicago (A) pick: P Carl Mays
Detroit pick: P Ferdie Schupp
Chicago (N) pick: CF Happy Felsch
New York (N) pick: P Dave Davenport
Cleveland pick: SS Dave Bancroft

Season Preview

American League

Cleveland Indians
The former Cleveland Bronchos may have a new name, but the majority of their team has stayed the same throughout their dominance of the American League. Yet, despite all that, they have not won a World Series in five attempts, leaving some to believe that they may never be able to finish off one of their great seasons. However, no matter what their doubters say, they always seem to pick up right where they left off in the regular season. This year should be no different, with Ty Cobb, Don Ayers and Ed Konetchy all back again, and Bobby Veach has developed into another solid piece in the middle of their lineup. On the mound, the Indians return with four pitchers who all won 15 or more games, including the 1914 Most Valuable Pitcher Johnny Lush. It is hard to find a glaring weakness in Cleveland, which makes them the odds on favorite to represent the American League in the World Series once again.

Chicago White Sox
Last season, the White Sox were a pleasant surprise to the people of Chicago, and it appears as if their third place finish last year was not merely a one time act. Ed Lennox leads the way for Chicago at the plate, but their real strength is in their pitching, where a combination of both talented youth and strong veterans help to make the White Sox an imposing force. They may not have enough to catch Cleveland just yet, but if they continue to improve, it shouldn't be long before the White Sox are in their first World Series.

Philadelphia Athletics
Last season, it seemed like the Athletics never fully recovered from the shock of losing the 1913 World Series. Now, with a full year between them and and that series, Connie Mack's squad seems ready to take back what they believe is theirs. Walter Johnson has fully recovered from arm problems that plauged him throughout 1914, and leads a strong pitching staff back into action. George Kahler emerged as a solid compliment to Johnson last season, winning 22 games and filling in nicely when the rest of Philadelphia's staff struggled. Tris Speaker was one of the few players who didn't miss a beat last season, and he spent most of the offseason preparing himself to perform even better this year. He is going to have to, because the heart of the Athletics' lineup is getting older and is now relying even more heavily on Speaker. If everyone can stay healthy, this could be a team that can knock off Cleveland.

National League

New York Giants
The Giants played like a team posessed when it counted the most last season, sweeping Cleveland and winning their first World Series. However, it came at a price for the future, as Joe Jackson, their leader on offense, severely injured his leg, ending his player career. Jackson returned to the Giants, but is now a hitting instructor, leaving a huge hole to be filled in left field. George Anderson will attempt to take Jackson's spot, but there are questions about how well he can do. They remain strong at most of the other offensive postions, with Stuart Adamson, Ray Chapman, Vic Saier and World Series Most Valuable Player Michael Feldbush making up the core of the lineup. Two time Most Valuable Pitcher winner Ludwig Van Cleef has unquestionably become the best pitcher in baseball after two amazing seasons, and with him on the mound, the Giants are primed to win another National League pennant, and possibly a second straight World Series.

Chicago Cubs
Could it be possible that both Chicago teams make it to the World Series in 1915? The chance is there, but it is going to take an effort from both teams, especially the Cubs, if they want to keep playing baseball in the middle of October. Every year it seems like the Cubs are knocking on the door for a pennant, but every year, no one answers. Dieter Kahle and Eddie Collins would like to make sure that that door is answered this season, as both of them return to make up a potent 1-2 punch in the middle of Chicago's lineup. Their pitching is again questionable, but every starter won 10 or more games last season, giving their fans hope that greater success can come their way. The Cubs are one of many teams that are starting to feel the pinch of age on some of their core players, so this year may be the last chance they have to make it to the World Series for quite some time.

Cincinnati Reds
The Reds last season were a shell of themselves as they never really recovered from Doc Crandall's offseason foot injury and finished with the second worst record in the National League. This year, Crandall is back at full strength, and the Reds are looking to retake the National League crown. They still have Noodles Hahn, baseball's all time leader in wins, but he is coming off of his first losing season since 1903, and at age 35 it is uncertain how much more time he has left to pitch. Aside from Crandall and Hahn, their pitching is unproven, and their lineup is starting to show signs of age as well. Sam Crawford, Solly Hofman, Hans Lobert and Jack Lapp are all 30 years of age or older, meaning that the Reds may only have a year or two left before some of these players start thinking about retirement. The Reds should be much better this season than last, but they only have to look at the Pittsburgh Pirates to see what happens when a team relies too much on aging players for too long.

Hurkman · 07-11-2006, 06:37 PM

Star/Prospect Watch

Dieter Kahle, CF-Chicago Cubs

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
  
Year     G   AB    H  2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1902   113  406  110   8  2  1  39  51  30  2  4   94  3  3 .271 .321 .308 .629 CHN
1903   112  376   98  23  3  4  49  40  42  2  3  117  4  1 .261 .336 .370 .705 CHN
1904   144  549  119  24  2  3  73  50  47  4  2  176  5  2 .217 .282 .284 .567 CHN
1905   141  511  153  29  4  5  78  64  61  1  2  107  3  2 .299 .374 .401 .775 CHN
1906   135  478  151  27  6  3  75  67  69  0  2   89  3  0 .316 .401 .416 .817 CHN
1907   147  522  197  37  3  4  89  62  73  3  7  104  5  0 .377 .451 .483 .934 CHN
1908   148  536  183  40  1  2  61  61  64  1  6  109  6  0 .341 .409 .431 .840 CHN
1909   145  517  179  38  2  2  64  76  79  4  2  121  9  1 .346 .435 .439 .874 CHN
1910   148  525  186  36  6  4  72  67  69  1  2  112  4  7 .354 .429 .469 .897 CHN
1911   151  535  178  41  1  5  83  70  83  3  3  111  4  0 .333 .423 .441 .864 CHN
1912   147  540  184  43  6  4  65  81  80  4  3  120  2  3 .341 .427 .465 .892 CHN
1913   144  519  171  40  4  3  87  76  77  1  6   83  2  4 .329 .413 .439 .852 CHN
1914   143  510  165  27  0  3  83  67  81  2  5  101  3  3 .324 .415 .394 .809 CHN
Total 1818 6524 2074 413 40 43 918 832 855 28 47 1444 53 26 .318 .397 .413 .810

Current Ratings: 82/92/19/53/34

Total Talent Ratings: 89/93/22/60/34

Entering his 14th season in the majors, Dieter is concerned with two things; getting the Cubs to a World Series and the war that is starting to ravage Europe, where he still has some of his family. Hopefully, he can put the European conflict in the back of his mind and concentrate on winning baseball games, because this may be his last chance to get a championship.

Clive Woodstock, 1B/RF-St. Louis Cardinals

Code:

Career Batting Stats  
 
Year     G   AB    H  2B 3B  HR RBI   R  BB  HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1903   140  524  136  30  0   4  57  66  42   9  5  131  3  1 .260 .322 .340 .662  SLN
1904   139  515  113  28  1   4  63  40  40   6  8  118  2  1 .219 .279 .301 .580  SLN
1905   147  548  159  26  1   6  64  50  44   8  7  105  1  0 .290 .348 .374 .722  SLN
1906   151  570  146  19  0   7  67  54  47  12  6  124  0  0 .256 .323 .326 .649  SLN
1907   147  532  124  18  0   5  57  47  44   5  8  122  1  0 .233 .294 .295 .589  SLN
1908   145  531  109  18  0  12  70  43  36   9  6  143  1  0 .205 .265 .307 .572  SLN
1909   145  534  133  24  0   8  79  56  59  16  8  127  0  0 .249 .337 .339 .676  SLN
1910   145  513  120  12  0   7  82  45  71  10  4  132  1  0 .234 .336 .298 .634  SLN
1911   147  527  145  25  2  16 103  67  77  15  7  112  0  0 .275 .379 .421 .800  SLN
1912   145  517  124  25  0  15  76  56  75  11  4  133  1  0 .240 .346 .375 .721  SLN
1913   142  506  111  18  1  14  55  66  64  11  2  126  0  0 .219 .319 .342 .661  SLN
1914   110  365   68   7  2   8  40  31  42   9  5   96  0  2 .186 .283 .282 .565  SLN
Total 1703 6182 1488 250  7 106 813 621 641 121 70 1469 10  4 .241 .321 .335 .656

Current Ratings: 45/38/73/45/46

Total Talent Ratings: 53/40/81/51/51

Things have gone from bad to worse for Woodstock. First, the Cardinals draft Cristobal Torriente, a natural right fielder, in the draft, then it turns out that he won't even be starting this season. Rumors are flying that he may be asking for his outright release soon, or is even pondering retirement.

Stuart Adamson, CF-New York Giants

Code:

Career Batting Stats 

Year     G   AB    H  2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF    K  SB  CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams  
1904   105  352   89   6  3  1  15  44  19  2  1   97  46  10 .253 .294 .295 .590  SLN
1905   141  553  129  12  8  2  52  60  29  3  2  157  44  10 .233 .274 .295 .569  SLN
1906   144  564  139  14  3  4  44  66  47  3  3  148  57  12 .246 .306 .303 .610  SLN
1907   145  518  124  15  3  2  49  56  44  4  4  130  60  12 .239 .302 .292 .593  SLN
1908   149  549  151  15  6 14  66  70  55  3  2  156  60  22 .275 .343 .401 .744  SLN
1909    89  159   37   4  3  2  12  24  28  1  1   59  15   5 .233 .349 .333 .683  SLN
1910   144  503  131  22  2  9  51  71  79  1  2  144  56  13 .260 .361 .366 .726 SLN NYG
1911   132  482  138  23  6 14  85  78  81  3  4  151  55  20 .286 .389 .446 .836  NYG
1912   150  533  160  26  6 15  98 106 109  8  8  149  82  10 .300 .421 .456 .877  NYG
1913   149  532  163  23 12 10  71 110 102  4  6  144  77  22 .306 .418 .451 .869  NYG
1914   150  563  153  20 11 14  83 103 110  4  8  172  90  15 .272 .390 .421 .811  NYG
Total 1498 5308 1414 180 63 87 626 788 703 36 41 1507 642 151 .266 .354 .373 .727

Current Ratings: 89/74/76/69/44

Total Talent Ratings: 90/81/75/77/40

On the other side of the coin, Woodstock's former teammate Stuart Adamson is on top of the world following a World Series victory last season. Without Joe Jackson to help protect him in the lineup, there will be more pressure on Adamson, but he is confident that the Giants can repeat as world champions.

Don Ayers, 2B-Cleveland Indians

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year     G   AB    H  2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams  
1905    52   84   24   3  1  0  14  10  10  0  0  26   2  2 .286 .362 .345 .707  CLE
1906    62   98   21   4  1  0  11  10   9  2  0  25   3  4 .214 .294 .276 .569  CLE
1907    59   81   18   2  0  0   8  13  10  0  3  21   1  2 .222 .298 .247 .545  CLE
1908   104  343   83  12  5  1  31  30  29  2  3  82   8 11 .242 .302 .315 .617  CLE
1909   142  540  140  28 10  1  58  66  59  6  2 126  21  7 .259 .338 .354 .691  CLE
1910   146  549  141  18  5  5  89  82  89  4  3 140  18  7 .257 .363 .335 .698  CLE
1911   144  546  172  25  8  3 106  85  66  6  4 111  25 13 .315 .392 .407 .799  CLE
1912   147  535  155  27  2  6  74  89  86  6  6 122  15 12 .290 .390 .381 .772  CLE
1913   147  524  155  23  7  5  71  72  71  5  6  97  20 14 .296 .381 .395 .776  CLE
1914   141  542  157  22  5  6  80  89  81  3  7 119  13 17 .290 .381 .382 .763  CLE
Total 1144 3842 1066 164 44 27 542 546 510 34 34 869 126 89 .277 .364 .364 .728

Current Ratings: 74/65/44/64/61

Total Talent Ratings: 80/65/50/75/70

Five trips to the World Series, five times turned back at the cusp of becoming a champion. Don Ayers and the rest of the Cleveland Indians are getting quite tired of the same old routine every October, and Ayers is personally committing himself to ensuring that the same mistakes that the Indians have made in the past will not be made again this year.

Sandford Freshlam, SP-Washington Senators

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year    G  GS  W  L SV   ERA     IP   HA   R   ER  HR  BB   K  CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 
1906    6   0  0  1  1 11.57    7.0   10   9    9   1   7   0   0   0 2.43 .310  WSH
1907    1   0  0  0  0  0.00    2.0    1   0    0   0   0   1   0   0 0.50 .167  WSH
1908			PITCHED IN A BALL		       	 
1909			PITCHED IN AA BALL
1910			PITCHED IN AA BALL
1911			PITCHED IN AA BALL
1912   34  34 17 14  0  3.52  288.2  242 137  113  25 114 287  27   5 1.23 .287  WSH
1913   42  42 18 20  0  3.64  353.1  294 157  143  45  84 326  35   3 1.07 .269  WSH
1914   41  41 17 17  0  2.62  356.2  267 111  104  31  53 353  32   4 0.90 .260  WSH
Total 124 117 52 52  1  3.30 1007.2  814 414  369 102 258 967  94  12 1.06 .272

Current Ratings: 100/99/62

Total Talent Ratings: 95/164/57

If Freshlam played for any other team besides the Washington Senators, he would be getting mentioned in the same breath as Ludwig Van Cleef or Walter Johnson. Instead, he is stuck on a consistantly bad team year in and year out, despite his best efforts. However, while some of his teammates are becoming more vocal about their displeasure, Sandford has stayed calm, still believing that Washington's front office will be able to turn the team around.

Ludwig Van Cleef, SP-New York Giants

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
 
Year    G GS  W  L SV  ERA    IP  HA   R  ER HR  BB   K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 
1907    1  0  0  0  0 0.00   3.1   0   0   0  0   3   2  0   0 0.90 .000  NYG 
1908			PITCHED IN AA BALL			
1909			PITCHED IN AAA BALL
1910    1  0  0  0  0 0.00   1.0   0   0   0  0   0   0  0   0 0.00 .000  NYG
1911   17  2  0  5  5 8.10  30.0  30  27  27  4  29  19  0   0 1.97 .277  NYG
1912   31 12 11  6  7 1.96 133.1  78  32  29  2  55 145 11   2 1.00 .244  NYG
1913   40 40 25 11  0 2.54 339.2 230 105  96 13 119 387 30   9 1.03 .273  NYG
1914   42 42 27  5  0 1.95 368.2 228  83  80 12  81 397 26   7 0.84 .247  NYG
Total 132 96 63 27 12 2.38 876.0 566 247 232 31 287 950 67  18 0.97 .257

Current Ratings: 107/81/88

Total Talent Ratings: 103/135/88

"Dominant. The best pitcher I've ever seen. Totally and utterly amazing." Those are just some of the praises being placed upon Ludwig Van Cleef after his second consecutive Most Valuable Pitcher performance in 1914. What is even more amazing is that this season will only be his third as a full time starter! Most managers will tell you that the first step to getting to the World Series is finding an ace starting pitcher, and as long as the Giants have Van Cleef, they will have that ace.

Christian Gray, SS-St. Louis Browns

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year    G   AB   H 2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1908    5   11   0  0  0  0   0   0   1  0  0   6   0  1 .000 .083 .000 .083  SLA
1909    5   12   2  0  0  0   2   3   4  0  0   3   2  0 .167 .375 .167 .542  SLA
1910   30   91  10  1  0  0   9   9   5  1  0  31   6  2 .110 .165 .121 .286  SLA
1911  138  533 117 13  8  4  53  72  43  1  1 165  46  9 .220 .279 .296 .575  SLA
1912  146  587 179 26  6  6  65  94  50  4  0 156  78 16 .305 .363 .400 .764  SLA
1913  147  555 199 21  8  4  75 100  61  4  3 101  68 21 .359 .424 .447 .871  SLA
1914  139  521 136 11  4  2  62  73  59  5  4 103  65 17 .261 .340 .309 .649  SLA
Total 610 2310 643 72 26 16 266 351 223 15  8 565 265 66 .278 .345 .353 .697

Current Ratings: 67/44/31/39/29

Total Talent Ratings: 74/40/22/63/22

Christian Gray is looking forward to this coming season to prove that the 1913 season, where he led the league in batting, was not a fluke, and that he has fully recovered from the broken hand he suffered before the start of last season. Those around him are saying that his swing looks like it has returned to its true form, and if Christian can do the same, the Browns should make a real effort in getting the American League pennant.

Fletcher Parslofski, LF-Philadelphia Phillies

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year    G  AB   H 2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1909    2   3   0  0  0  0   0   0   1  0  0   2  0  0 .000 .250 .000 .250 PHI
1910    0   0   0  0  0  0   0   0   0  0  0   0  0  0 .000 .000 .000 .000 PHI
1911   17  22   3  1  0  0   1   3   8  0  0   4  0  0 .136 .367 .182 .548 PHI
1912   38  53  11  3  0  0   9   2   9  0  0   8  0  0 .208 .323 .264 .587 PHI
1913  116 373 103 13  5  8  40  51  66  2  0  50  2  1 .276 .388 .402 .790 PHI
1914  145 496 117 22  3  6  62  59 101  2  6  60  5  0 .236 .364 .329 .692 PHI
Total 318 947 234 39  8 14 112 115 185  4  6 124  7  1 .247 .370 .350 .720

Current Ratings: 73/75/47/91/79

Total Talent Ratings: 79/78/50/99/75

The Phillies may have an issue with Fletcher. On the plus side, he is a sure handed left fielder who hardly ever strikes out. On the other side, he hardly ever makes contact with the ball either. Philadelphia made sure that he spent plenty of time this offseason working on his hitting while maintaining his eyes, now all that's left is to see whether or not it had any effect on his average.

Michael Feldbush, 2B-New York Giants

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year    G   AB   H  2B 3B HR RBI   R  BB HP SF   K  SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1910   97  241  53  13  3  2  28  25  21  3  1  82  15  8 .220 .289 .324 .613 NYG
1911  103  266  68  14  4  2  30  43  52  4  1  61  14 10 .256 .384 .361 .745 NYG
1912  147  532 139  20  6  4  67  80  89  2  5 123  42 20 .261 .366 .344 .710 NYG
1913  149  565 170  40  6  4  49 104  85  2  2 103  43 16 .301 .393 .414 .807 NYG
1914  150  569 138  19  6  4  61  81  87  8  3 107  47 18 .243 .349 .318 .667 NYG
Total 646 2173 568 106 25 16 235 333 334 19 12 476 161 72 .261 .363 .355 .718

Current Ratings: 80/63/41/64/66

Total Talent Ratings: 90/55/45/80/71

After a lousy regular season, Michael Feldbush found a different level during the World Series, hitting over .400 and winning the Most Valuable Player award. Now, without his friend Joe Jackson in the lineup, more is expected of him. If he has another poor season like last year, the Giants may not be able to win as many games, so the pressure is on.

Killian Ditty, 3B-Boston Braves

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year   G  AB  H 2B 3B HR RBI  R BB HP SF  K SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1911   2   0  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 .000 .000 .000 .000  PHI
1912   1   1  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 .000 .000 .000 .000  PHI
1913  13  31 12  4  0  0   7  6  6  0  0  8  0  0 .387 .486 .516 1.003 PHI BSN
1914  23  70 19  3  0  0   6  5  7  0  0 16  0  0 .271 .338 .314 .652  BSN
Total 39 102 31  7  0  0  13 11 13  0  0 24  0  0 .304 .383 .373 .755

Current Ratings: 47/67/44/36/54

Total Talent Ratings: 90/109/49/67/55

Despite inner turmoil about what to do with Ditty, Boston finalyl decided to give the young man a chance on the big club, and Killian will be in the starting lineup for Boston come Opening Day. Many fans still believe that the team is rushing his development, but with the situation at third base in Boston, any player that even resembles a functional ballplayer should help.

Shamus O'Brien, SP-St. Louis Cardinals

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 

Year   G GS  W L SV  ERA    IP  HA  R ER HR BB   K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 
1912  12  0  1 1  0 3.95  13.2  12  6  6  3  9  10  0   0 1.54 .243  SLN
1913  31  0  2 3  0 3.02  44.2  38 16 15  6 11  25  0   0 1.10 .237  SLN
1914  26 11  8 5  3 2.98  90.2  82 31 30  9 38  71  2   0 1.32 .292  SLN
Total 69 11 11 9  3 3.08 149.0 132 53 51 18 58 106  2   0 1.28 .270

Current Ratings: 54/50/84

Total Talent Ratings: 93/71/76

It took almost three agonizing years, but finally, Shamus O'Brien is a starter for the St. Louis Cardinals. Of course, after all of his brash talking, the team and fans aren't willing to expect anything less than several dominating performances on the mound, so this year will show most if his skills can match his talking.

Jamee Gray, SS-Boston Braves

Code:

Career Batting Stats 
 
Year    G  AB   H 2B 3B HR RBI  R BB HP SF   K SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1913   11  41   7  1  0  1   4  3  0  0  0  15  0  0 .171 .171 .268 .439 BSN
1914  145 538 128 21  1  2  69 50 39 10  5 137  1  0 .238 .299 .292 .591 BSN
Total 156 579 135 22  1  3  73 53 39 10  5 152  1  0 .233 .291 .290 .581

Current Ratings: 57/64/45/37/43

Total Talent Ratings: 87/65/100/55/44

Jamee Gray is still being described as a "work in progess" by those working with him within the Boston Braves. He is being given another chance to start this year, as Boston seems to be turning toward a youth movement of its own. However, with both Gray and Killian Ditty being very young and very inexperienced, this move could lead to some very long games for the Braves.

Justin Williamson, SP-St. Louis Cardinals

Code:

Career Pitching Stats 
 
Year  G GS W L SV ERA IP HA R ER HR BB K CG SHO WHIP BABIP Teams 
1914			PITCHED IN AA BALL

Current Ratings: 49/44/70

Total Talent Ratings: 100/65/66

Williamson starts out the 1915 season on the Cardinals' Class AAA ballclub alongside Cristobal Torriente. After pitching well in both Class AA and A last season, Williamson and the Cardinals are hoping for a good season in Class AAA that could lead to a midseason promotion to the Cardinals, followed by a spot in the starting rotation come this time next year.

ndinardo76 · 07-11-2006, 10:21 PM

Van Cleef is the man. I'm thinking of naming my first-born Ludwig

07-05-2006, 08:25 AM	#161
metsgeek Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Norwood, MA Posts: 5,450	Say it ain't so, Joe! On another note, isn't "Shamus" supposed to be spelled like this: "Seamas"? I could be wrong. __________________ Commissioner - PBRL - Just finished 2009 109 seasons and still running strong!!!

07-05-2006, 12:53 PM	#164
Splitter24 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Willsboro, NY Posts: 2,895	Stuart Adamson says let's win it for Joe!! __________________ Currently Reading: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen "Well, the game is afoot. I’ll take anal bum cover for 7,000." - "Sean Connery" SNL Celebrity Jeopardy R.I.P. Tommy Holmes 1917-2008

07-06-2006, 12:40 PM	#174
Splitter24 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Willsboro, NY Posts: 2,895	Way to win one for Joe... and a ring for Stuart Adamson! __________________ Currently Reading: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen "Well, the game is afoot. I’ll take anal bum cover for 7,000." - "Sean Connery" SNL Celebrity Jeopardy R.I.P. Tommy Holmes 1917-2008

07-05-2006, 10:25 AM	#163
Sir Lurksalot All Star Starter Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,044	Poor Joe can't catch a break even in a simulation...

07-05-2006, 01:14 PM	#165
lewis31lewis52 All Star Reserve Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Michigan University Posts: 580	Well, there goes one of our best hitters. Hope Feldbush can light it up in the playoffs.

07-05-2006, 03:20 PM	#166
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 762	Let me tell you all something before I update again. I always, and I mean always root for Joe Jackson in these simulations. I've always seen him as the most sympathetic case out of the Black Sox, and and when this happened, I was shocked. So shocked, that I even thought about playing God and undoing the injury, but I decided to let the chips fall where they may, and so Shoeless Joe now becomes one of the great "what-if" stories in my baseball world. Also, don't think I'm going to pass up a chance to still use "say it ain't so, Joe." I'll find a way to throw that in during the World Series in some way, shape, or form.

07-05-2006, 05:23 PM	#168
beltre13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: newport news virginia Posts: 101	hopefully shamus can finally stay in the rotation next season, because he will become the greatest pitcher of all time!

07-06-2006, 02:23 AM	#170
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 762	World Series Matchup-1914 American League Champions-Cleveland Bronchos (97-57) Overall Batting Avg.- .268 Overall ERA- 2.89 Leading Batters Ty Cobb-CF: .351, 3 HR, 73 RBI, 66 SB (Out for World Series) Ed Konetchy-1B: .325, 4 HR, 90 RBI, 34 SB Don Ayers-2B: .290, 6 HR, 80 RBI Leading Pitchers Johnny Lush: 25-9, 331.2 IP, 2.23 ERA, 134 K Rube Foster: 20-7, 241.2 IP, 3.58 ERA, 98 K Orlie Weaver: 18-16, 362 IP, 2.86 ERA, 273 K National League Champions-New York Giants (95-59) Overall Batting Avg.- .249 Overall ERA- 2.84 Leading Batters Joe Jackson-LF: .340, 4 HR, 86 RBI, 56 SB (Out for World Series/Career) Stuart Adamson-CF: .272, 14 HR, 83 RBI, 90 SB Heinie Groh-3B: .300, 0 HR, 77 RBI Leading Pitchers Ludwig Van Cleef: 27-5, 368.2 IP, 1.95 ERA, 397 K Tom Fisher: 23-12, 346.1 IP, 2.55 ERA, 154 K Glenn Liebhardt: 16-12, 273 IP, 3.36 ERA, 106 K Analysis and Prediction When these teams were leading their respective leagues at the end of August, no one would have expected them both to make it to the World Series without their stars on offense. One of these teams will win their first World Series, but the bigger story is which team can survive the loss of their driving force at the plate. When looking at both teams, Cleveland has the postseason experience, but is burdened by the failures of their past. Meanwhile, New York is a relatively young team, but may still be in shock over the loss of Joe Jackson. That being said, the Giants do have a better overall pitching staff, and Stuart Adamson can carry enough of Jackson's load. Cleveland will have to beat Ludwig Van Cleef at least twice to win this series, and very few can see that happening. Prediction: Giants in 6

07-06-2006, 02:58 AM	#171
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 762	1914 World Series Game 1-10/10/1914: Bronchos-1 Giants-2 Before the start of their very first World Series game, the Giants got a visit from Joe Jackson, who, despite not being able to walk again yet, managed to stand from his wheelchair and give a rallying speech to his teammates. He told the story about the first time he came out of the hospital in New York and he was approached by a young boy. With tears in his eyes, the child pleaded with him, crying, "say it ain't so, Joe!" Jackson looked at the boy and nodded, saying, "I'm afraid it is so, lad, but don't you worry, 'cause the Giants are still going to win us a World Series!" If the Giants were inspired by Jackson's pregame speech, they didn't show it in the first inning, as surprising starter Christy Mathewson gave up an early run on a Bobby Veach single that scored Ed Konetchy. What was even more serious was that Mathewson had hurt himself on the final pitch of the first inning, and manager John McGraw went to rarely used pitcher Roy Mitchell. Mitchell, who had only pitched 17 innings all season, was outstanding, throwing eight shutout innings and striking out 10, which was more than his entire regular season total. The Giants tied the game in the bottom of the first following a Vic Saier single that plated Michael Feldbush. Stuart Adamson gave New York the lead for good in the second when he drove in Mitchell with the game's final run. Orlie Weaver was solid in a complete game effort for Cleveland, but nothing could have prepared the Bronchos for Roy Mitchell in Game 1. W: Roy Mitchell L: Orlie Weaver Game 2-10/11/1914: Bronchos-0 Giants-2 Game Two was yet another pitching duel, this time pitting the two best pitchers of 1914 against each other. Ludwig Van Cleef took the mound for New York, opposed by Johnny Lush for Cleveland, and from the first inning, the battle was on. Both Van Cleef and Lush pitched masterfully, with 11 strikeouts combined in two complete game efforts. Neither team could even manage a threat until the bottom of the sixth, when, after Cleveland intentionally walked Stuart Adamson, Michael Feldbush smacked a single to right, scoring both Ray Chapman and Bill O'Hara to give New York a 2-0 lead. Feldbush's offense would be all Van Cleef would need, as he mowed down the Bronchos in the last three innings to preserve the shutout win. W: Ludwig Van Cleef L: Johnny Lush Game 3-10/13/1914: Giants-6 Bronchos-1 Two days later, the teams met again, this time in Cleveland, where Bronchos fans were hoping that this would not be a repeat of past World Series. However, despite a fine pitching performance by Rube Foster, their fears came to pass in the top of the third inning, when, following a Ray Champman walk and a Richard Cotter single, Michael Feldbush stepped up and drove in both men, giving him four runs batted in in the past two games. Feldbush would later score himself on a two run single by Bill O'Hara, and the Giants were up 4-0. Cleveland's offense woes continued, as they stretched their World Series scoreless streak to 25 innings without a run, finally scoring for the first time since the first inning of Game One on a Don Ayers ground out that brought home Ed Konetchy. By that time, the score was 6-1, and Tom Fisher quickly settled down, retiring Larry McLean to end the game and give the Giants a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. Fisher pitched a complete game, striking out three while scattering seven Cleveland hits. W: Tom Fisher L: Rube Foster Game 4-10/14/1914: Giants-8 Bronchos-7 In the highest scoring game of the World Series, it appeared as if the Giants would again be able to walk all over Cleveland, scoring twice in the first on a Stuart Adamson single off of Game One starter Orlie Weaver. Adamson would drive in Michael Feldbush in the third to make it 3-0, and many fans in Cleveland already had that sense that the game was over. However, in the bottom of the third, Ed Konetchy doubled off of Glenn Liebhardt, scoring two, and not only matching the entire Cleveland offensive output of the World Series, but actually giving them a chance to win Game Four. New York would make it 4-2 on a Richard Cotter single in the fourth, then would add three more in the fifth to make the score 7-2. It appeared as if Cleveland were finished, but the Bronchos finally found a hole in the Giants' armor, scoring four times in the bottom of the same inning on a Bobby Veach double and Don Ayers sacrifice to make it a one run game. It remained that way until the ninth inning, when Heinie Groh singled in Vic Saier to give the Giants a little breathing room. It turns out they would need it, because, in the bottom of the ninth, Cleveland would not go quietly. With Glenn Liebhardt still pitching, Steve Evans led off the inning with a single. Then, following an Ed Konetchy strikeout and a fly out by Bobby Veach, Don Ayers came to the plate and smacked a double off the center field wall that made it an 8-7. Pinch hitter Jack Graney came up to the plate with a chance to tie the game, but when the ball landed in Stuart Adamson's glove, the game, and the World Series, was over. The New York Giants had won one for Joe, and completed an incredible turn around started just four seasons before. W: Glenn Liebhardt L: Orlie Weaver Series MVP: Michael Feldbush- .412, 4 RBI, 4 Runs Scored 1914 World Series Champions: New York Giants First Championship

07-06-2006, 03:05 AM	#172
Bryan Swartz Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 457	Outstanding! I was pulling for Cleveland, but find it hard to be dissapointed.

07-06-2006, 10:15 AM	#173
beltre13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: newport news virginia Posts: 101	well at least new york can dedicated the world series to joe jackson

07-06-2006, 02:49 PM	#175
lewis31lewis52 All Star Reserve Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Michigan University Posts: 580	Yes, I won the MVP! That one was for Joe.

07-06-2006, 06:40 PM	#176
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 762	End of the Year Awards Rookie of the Year American League ROY: Jeff Pfeffer, SP (BSA)- This year's American League Rookie of the Year fell under some controversy, as Pfeffer was actually drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the amateur draft, and was only traded to Boston in the middle of July. However, American League officials decided that his performance with Boston was still enough to earn the Rookie of the Year Award. Before coming to Boston, Pfeffer's record was a sad 7-11. After coming to Boston, while he did not finish with a .500 record, he did go 10-7 to make his overall record 17-18. He also finished with a 3.16 ERA and 135 strikeouts, giving Red Sox fans hope that maybe they can get to a World Series very soon. National League ROY: Henry Keupper, SP (CHN)- Little was expected out of Chicago, as well as Keupper, a late second round pick, this season. What ended up happening instead was a shocking return by the Cubs to the top tier of the National League, and Keupper was a major factor in that rise. In his rookie season, Keupper finished with a 20-11 record, a 2.50 ERA and 121 strikeouts. He may already be 27, but the Cubs certainly found a solid pitcher to help bolster their rotation. Most Valuable Pitcher American League MVP: Johnny Lush, SP (CLE)- The Cleveland Bronchos again fell short in the World Series, but Johnny Lush, while he did not win his only start, did manage an excellent regular season effort well worthy of the Most Valuable Pitcher Award. Lush went 25-9 for the Bronchos during the regular season, including a 2.23 ERA, 134 strikeouts and 5 shutouts! Cleveland has been a contender for the AL pennant for almost a decade now, and with Johnny Lush at the top of their pitching staff, they should continue their dominance. National League MVP: Ludwig Van Cleef, SP (NYG)- As if this award were even in doubt. Van Cleef had the best pitching season in New York Giants, and possibly in National League history in 1914, guiding the Giants to their first World Series victory. Ludwig was practically unhittable all season, going 15-1 during the first half of the season, and finishing with an outstanding 27-5 record! He also had a mind boggling ERA of 1.95, as well as 397 strikeouts, a new major league record! In just two full seasons as a starting pitcher, Van Cleef has won two Most Valuable Pitcher Awards, and the Giants have won a World Series. What a time to be a Giants fan. Most Valuable Batter American League MVB: Ty Cobb, CF (CLE)- It appeared that Ty Cobb was on pace for another record breaking season and trip to the World Series in 1914, but then he found the one thing that could slow him down. Despite watching Cleveland lose in the playoffs with a broken hand, nothing could dampen what Cobb was able to accomplish in the regular season. In just over 140 games, Cobb finished with 193 hits, good for a .351 batting average, which led the major leagues. He also had 3 home runs, 73 runs batted in and 66 stolen bases, as well as 116 runs scored, all good for top five finishes in the American League. In his nine seasons in baseball, this is Cobb's sixth MVB award, further cementing his place as possibly the best hitter of this generation. National League MVB: Tillie Shafer, SS (PIT)- Shafer is one of the few holdovers remaining from when Pittsburgh was king of the baseball world, and at only 25, he should be around to see them get to the top again. Faced with the challenge of filling Honus Wagner's shoes, Shafer did quite well this season, hitting a National League leading .339 and adding 8 home runs and 79 runs batted in to pace the Pirates. It may take some time for Pittsburgh to get back to the top, but when they do, it will be with Tillie Shafer leading the way. Gold Glove Award Winners American League Pitcher: Rube Foster (CLE) Catcher: Bill Rariden (WSH) First Base: Jack Fournier (NYY) Second Base: Bill Sweeney (BOS) Third Base: Frank Baker (NYY) Shortstop: Christian Gray (SLA) Leftfield: Ward Miller (DET) Centerfield: Dutch Zwilling (CHA) Rightfield: Johnny Bates (DET) National League Pitcher: Hi West (BSN) Catcher: Richard Cotter (NYG) First Base: Shano Collins (SLN) Second Base: Terry Turner (SLN) Third Base: Larry Gardner (CIN) Shortstop: Jamee Gray (BSN) Leftfield: Fletcher Parslofski (PHI) Centerfield: Stuart Adamson (NYG) Rightfield: Bris Lord (PIT) Top 5 Leaderboard TOP 5 in BATTING AVG : .351 Ty Cobb(CLE) .350 Eddie Collins(CHN) .340 Joe Jackson(NYG) .339 Tillie Shafer(PIT) .335 Tris Speaker(PHA) TOP 5 in HOMERUNS : 14 Stuart Adamson(NYG) 11 Tris Speaker(PHA) 8 Tillie Shafer(PIT) 7 Jack Fournier( NYY) 7 Tilly Walker(DET) TOP 5 in RBI : 90 Ed Konetchy(CLE) 86 Joe Jackson(NYG) 83 Dieter Kahle(CHN) 83 Stuart Adamson(NYG) 82 Fred Luderus(BRO) TOP 5 in ERA : 1.95 Ludwig Van Cleef(NYG) 2.11 Harry Moran(PHI) 2.18 Smokey Joe Wood(SLA) 2.20 Fred Mitchell(BOS) 2.21 George McQuillan(DET) TOP 5 in WINS : 27 Ludwig Van Cleef(NYG) 25 Johnny Lush(CLE) 24 Smokey Joe Wood(SLA) 23 Tom Fisher(NYG) 23 Nap Rucker(DET) TOP 5 in SAVES : 21 Lefty Webb(CHA) 12 Harley Young(BRO) 8 Babe Adams(DET) 8 Ralph Caldwell(BOS) 7 Biff Schlitzer(WSH)

07-10-2006, 03:38 PM	#177
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 762	February 1, 1915 News While the United States is still focused on the national pastime, all of Europe has become held in the grip of war. So far, America has remained neutral during the growing conflict, but there are those throughout the government who believe only American involvement can bring about a swift end to the war. Hopefully, baseball will not have to be pushed to the side to deal with the conflict, and for now, it appears as if Americans will remain spectators for both baseball and the European conflict. In lighter news, it appears that the American and National Leagues have survived the initial Federal League threat. While some lesser known players have made the jump to the young league, all of the established stars have given any offer made by the Federal League the cold shoulder, further cementing Major League Baseball's dominance over the best baseball players in the country. Also, in what appears to be an attempt to remove the losing stigma attatched to them, the Cleveland Bronchos have changed their name. From this point on, they are to be called the Cleveland Indians. While some people believe the name change is simply to have people think differently about Cleveland's performances in the World Series, the team is on record saying that the new name "invokes stronger images of power and grace that the Indians that lived in this area in the past embodied, and it is that power and grace that we see our team embodying." Rookie Watch While many of the past drafts have been top heavy with pitching talent, the 1915 amateur draft is ripe with the next generation of great hitters. Names like George Sisler, Braggo Roth and Elmer Smith could one day be mentioned in the same breath as Ty Cobb, Dieter Kahle or Nap Lajoie. However, there is one name that stands out above all the others in this draft. Cristobal Torriente, RF/3B An immigrant from Cuba, Torriente has talent that very few players before him have had. He already has a reputation as a tremendous bad-ball hitter, and his soft hands and quick feet make him a natural right fielder. The main issue surrounding Torriente is the fact that he is Cuban, and his skin color has stirred up some ill feelings from players and fans. However, once people get to see how well this young man can play, the color of his skin will become an afterthought to what he brings to his new team. Current Ratings (Contact/Gap/Power/Eye/Avoid K): 45/51/19/27/44 Total Talent Ratings: 96/55/77/71/40

07-10-2006, 04:36 PM	#178
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 762	Draft Results The St. Louis Cardinals again had the first overall pick in the 1915 draft, and with Cristobal Torriente being both a right fielder and a third baseman, it seemed obvious who they would select. Despite Torriente possibly needing a few years in the minor leagues to fully develop, the Cardinals went with him, basically giving Clive Woodstock a notice about how much more time he has left as a starter. Picking second, the New York Yankees took a giant step in attempting to bring back the glory days of their team by selecting George Sisler. Sisler is already very well established as both a hitter and a first baseman, and should help bring a spark back to a lineup that has been lacking for the past few seasons. Round One Results St. Louis (N) pick: RF Cristobal Torriente New York (A) pick: 1B George Sisler Washington pick: CF Cy Williams Philadelphia (A) pick: RF Elmer Smith Cincinnati pick: RF Braggo Roth St. Louis (A) pick: CF Edd Roush Pittsburgh pick: RF Billy Southworth Boston (N) pick: 1B Wally Pipp Brooklyn pick: 3B Fred Lear Philadelphia (N) pick: P George Ruth Boston (A) pick: 2B Ty Helfrich Chicago (A) pick: P Carl Mays Detroit pick: P Ferdie Schupp Chicago (N) pick: CF Happy Felsch New York (N) pick: P Dave Davenport Cleveland pick: SS Dave Bancroft Season Preview American League Cleveland Indians The former Cleveland Bronchos may have a new name, but the majority of their team has stayed the same throughout their dominance of the American League. Yet, despite all that, they have not won a World Series in five attempts, leaving some to believe that they may never be able to finish off one of their great seasons. However, no matter what their doubters say, they always seem to pick up right where they left off in the regular season. This year should be no different, with Ty Cobb, Don Ayers and Ed Konetchy all back again, and Bobby Veach has developed into another solid piece in the middle of their lineup. On the mound, the Indians return with four pitchers who all won 15 or more games, including the 1914 Most Valuable Pitcher Johnny Lush. It is hard to find a glaring weakness in Cleveland, which makes them the odds on favorite to represent the American League in the World Series once again. Chicago White Sox Last season, the White Sox were a pleasant surprise to the people of Chicago, and it appears as if their third place finish last year was not merely a one time act. Ed Lennox leads the way for Chicago at the plate, but their real strength is in their pitching, where a combination of both talented youth and strong veterans help to make the White Sox an imposing force. They may not have enough to catch Cleveland just yet, but if they continue to improve, it shouldn't be long before the White Sox are in their first World Series. Philadelphia Athletics Last season, it seemed like the Athletics never fully recovered from the shock of losing the 1913 World Series. Now, with a full year between them and and that series, Connie Mack's squad seems ready to take back what they believe is theirs. Walter Johnson has fully recovered from arm problems that plauged him throughout 1914, and leads a strong pitching staff back into action. George Kahler emerged as a solid compliment to Johnson last season, winning 22 games and filling in nicely when the rest of Philadelphia's staff struggled. Tris Speaker was one of the few players who didn't miss a beat last season, and he spent most of the offseason preparing himself to perform even better this year. He is going to have to, because the heart of the Athletics' lineup is getting older and is now relying even more heavily on Speaker. If everyone can stay healthy, this could be a team that can knock off Cleveland. National League New York Giants The Giants played like a team posessed when it counted the most last season, sweeping Cleveland and winning their first World Series. However, it came at a price for the future, as Joe Jackson, their leader on offense, severely injured his leg, ending his player career. Jackson returned to the Giants, but is now a hitting instructor, leaving a huge hole to be filled in left field. George Anderson will attempt to take Jackson's spot, but there are questions about how well he can do. They remain strong at most of the other offensive postions, with Stuart Adamson, Ray Chapman, Vic Saier and World Series Most Valuable Player Michael Feldbush making up the core of the lineup. Two time Most Valuable Pitcher winner Ludwig Van Cleef has unquestionably become the best pitcher in baseball after two amazing seasons, and with him on the mound, the Giants are primed to win another National League pennant, and possibly a second straight World Series. Chicago Cubs Could it be possible that both Chicago teams make it to the World Series in 1915? The chance is there, but it is going to take an effort from both teams, especially the Cubs, if they want to keep playing baseball in the middle of October. Every year it seems like the Cubs are knocking on the door for a pennant, but every year, no one answers. Dieter Kahle and Eddie Collins would like to make sure that that door is answered this season, as both of them return to make up a potent 1-2 punch in the middle of Chicago's lineup. Their pitching is again questionable, but every starter won 10 or more games last season, giving their fans hope that greater success can come their way. The Cubs are one of many teams that are starting to feel the pinch of age on some of their core players, so this year may be the last chance they have to make it to the World Series for quite some time. Cincinnati Reds The Reds last season were a shell of themselves as they never really recovered from Doc Crandall's offseason foot injury and finished with the second worst record in the National League. This year, Crandall is back at full strength, and the Reds are looking to retake the National League crown. They still have Noodles Hahn, baseball's all time leader in wins, but he is coming off of his first losing season since 1903, and at age 35 it is uncertain how much more time he has left to pitch. Aside from Crandall and Hahn, their pitching is unproven, and their lineup is starting to show signs of age as well. Sam Crawford, Solly Hofman, Hans Lobert and Jack Lapp are all 30 years of age or older, meaning that the Reds may only have a year or two left before some of these players start thinking about retirement. The Reds should be much better this season than last, but they only have to look at the Pittsburgh Pirates to see what happens when a team relies too much on aging players for too long.

07-11-2006, 10:21 PM	#180
ndinardo76 Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 33	Van Cleef is the man. I'm thinking of naming my first-born Ludwig