MLHR: Major League Historical Replay... what if?

[darnoff]

Player Profile

This is a feature I would like to present on a regular basis, because I feel like there is not enough attention given to some of the interesting players and their career arcs. I will begin with a player who was first mentioned in 1882 when he unseated Ross Barnes from his 6-year perch atop the batting leaderboards. Sure, Barnes underperformed that season, but even more interesting was the player who was the first player other than Barnes to win a batting title.

That player was Pirates shortstop "Pebbly Jack" Glasscock". In MLB, Glasscock played 17 seasons, accumulating 2040 hits and a lifetime .290 batting average. In MLHR, he stacked up as more of an above-average player than a true standout. After hitting .311 in 283 AB in his rookie 1879 season, Glasscock was awarded a starting job with the Pirates. He hit just .253 and .225 the following two seasons, but he broke out in 1882 by hitting .330 with 18 HR and 79 RBI and prying the batting title away from the revered Barnes.

Many thought that season was a fluke (me included), but Glasscock has proved us wrong. He returned in 1883 to hit .280 with 18 HR and 86 RBI. This season he is hitting 2nd in the lineup and he's 3rd in the league with a .306 average, along with a league-best 97 hits and a 116 OPS+. It would be fair to say he's an overachiever based on ratings alone, but if it weren't for overachievers why would we aspire to be better?

[darnoff]

Season Wrap-up

We finally had the first really close pennant race since the inaugural 1876 season. The Cardinals had as much as a 5-game lead in late August, but the Pirates chipped away until they were within 1.5 games on September 19th. That day marked the beginning of a 3-game series between the top two teams.

Pittsburgh hosted the series, and the home town fans marvelled as their Pirates swept the Cardinals to take the lead for the first time since July. Jim McCormick and rookie Henry Boyle threw back-to-back shutouts to start the series. Then the Pirates scored four runs in the final two innings to complete the sweep with an 8-4 victory.

Oddly enough, after that thrilling sweep, the Pirates dropped 6 straight on the road against the Reds and Phillies. Over that same time span, the Cardinals went 4-3 versus the Phillies and Reds to retake a 2-game lead going into the final week of the season. The Cardinals were then swept in three games at home against the Giants, while the Pirates went 2-1 at the Dodgers to tie for first. That set up a gut-wrenching final 4-game series in St. Louis between the two league leaders.

In game 1, Pittsburgh's Guy Hecker (8-13, 5.05 ERA) faced off against St. Louis' Sam Weaver (17-12, 4.06 ERA). The odds favored St. Louis, but the Pirates won the day 6-2 behind Hecker's 9-hit, 2-run, 1-walk, 8-K complete game. In Game 2, rookie Ed Morris (14-13, 3.36 ERA) allowed just 2 runs off 5 hits and 2 walks in a 4-2 win over Joe Blong (10-9, 4.00 ERA) and the Cards. This game saw the Pirates come back from a 2-1 deficit after 7 innings.

Both teams sent their aces to the mound in game 3 - Jim Devlin for Pittsburgh and Old Hoss Radbourn for St. Louis. Both pitchers were impressive, but a 2-run homer by Pirates leadoff man Bill Crowley in the 7th was the deciding blow as Pittsburgh went on to a 3-2 victory and claimed their first pennant. On the final day of the season, Pittsburgh completed the sweep with a 8-3 win, completely demoralizing the Cardinals who dropped the final 8 games of the season. If I were keeping track of managers, I am sure heads would roll in St. Louis. Unfortunately, that last great pennant race I mentioned from 1876 also saw the Cardinals lose a heart-breaker, that time to the Cubs.

Since parody was a theme this season, the coming winter should be a very important one. It could potentially tip fate in one team's favor for several seasons if a great player or two debuts, or it could ensure that parody continues as a theme in 1885.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[darnoff]

Season Awards



Batter of the Year


Pitcher of the Year


Rookie of the Year



Fireman Award



Gold Gloves
P - Bob Barr, LAD
C - Buck Ewing, SFG (4th consecutive)
1B - Henry Larkin, PHI (rookie)
2B - Hardy Richardson, STL (3rd overall)
3B - Billy Nash, ATL (rookie)
SS - Jack Glasscock, PIT (3rd consecutive)
LF - Pete Browning, PIT
CF - John O'Rourke, ATL (4th overall)
RF - Buttercup Dickerson, CIN (2nd overall)

[darnoff]

1885 Rookies


Last season, due to the level of parody we witnessed, I suggested that the 1885 rookie class could potentially have a large impact on the outcome of the next few seasons - essentially tipping the scales in a team's favor, so to speak. Well, this offseason was light on talent overall, but there were three very skilled players who could, in fact, have a big impact on the pennant race.


Jimmy Ryan, CF, Age 22, Cubs

The Cubs had a disappointing 1884 season, finishing last for the second season in a row. However, the team is loaded with talent at most positions - the bullpen being their primary weakness. On the offensive side, right field was a sore spot in 1884 with young Billy Sunday hitting just .228 in 324 AB. He did steal 20 bases and play solid defense in that limited time, but the team feels that moving Ryan to right field will significantly upgrade their offense without having too much of a negative impact on the team's defense or overall speed. Ryan will bat second, a spot filled last season by shortstop John Peters, who had just a .326 OBP with only 49 RBI and 54 runs in 531 AB. Ryan should provide a major upgrade in that spot, hitting between Ross Barnes and Cap Anson, while Peters slides down to the #8 slot.

The true questions is, despite their pitching woes, is Ryan enough of an upgrade to put the Cubs back in the pennant race? Likely not, but I believe the Cubs are closer to contention than some may think and could be a good darkhorse candidate. It's a shame that over the past 10 seasons, they have not yet figured out the importance of adding pitching to their roster.




Denny Lyons, 3B, Age 19, Dodgers

The Dodgers are in the midst of their first ever consecutive winning season streak. However, after winning 92 games in 1883, their 82-win season in 1884 felt like a failure. The team was happy with the performance of third baseman Jerry Denny (.257, 29 HR, 100 RBI), who also won a Gold Glove a year earlier in 1883. However, the appearance of 19-year-old Lyons has led them to move the veteran Denny to second base, a role he is less comfortable in. While Denny has had success with the Dodgers - a career .238 average and 100 HR over four seasons - the team expects even more from Lyons.

In my opinion, this is the one addition that is most likely to swing the pennant race. Despite only 82 wins last season, I believe the Dodgers are on the verge of a pennant. Lyons' offense will be a major upgrade over the person Denny is replacing at second - 32-year-old Jack Burdock (.201 AVG, .326 OBP in 314 AB). And although second base is not Denny's natural position, he is astute enough defensively that I believe he will not be a defensive downgrade from Burdock.




Sam Thompson, RF, Age 24, Reds

"Big Sam" was the jewel of the offseason. His presence will be a significant upgrade for a Reds team that finished 3rd with 84 wins despite a 7th-ranked offense. He replaces Buttercup Dickerson (.261, 9 HR, 43 RBI in 529 AB), who will now perform a utility role in the outfield, backing up Thompson in right field, slugger Charley Jones (.244, 32 HR, 112 RBI) in left and Pete Hotaling (.253, 5 HR, 39 RBI in 442 AB) in center.

Thompson will move to the #3 spot in the lineup ahead of King Kelly (.305, 26 HR, 94 RBI, 40 SB) and Jones. I believe his presence will make a big enough improvement in the team's offense that we will see them among the pennant contenders all season.

[darnoff]

1885 Preseason Predictions

According to the predictions below, the tables have really turned in today's National League. The teams once considered the pride of the league, the Cubs, Cardinals, Braves and Giants, all find themselves near the bottom of the standings. Meanwhile, these predictions show the Dodgers, Phillies and Reds finally having a realistic shot of winning their first pennant. It is not coincidental then that the three key rookies discussed in my previous post are all listed on the Top 10 Hitters list for the coming season.

If the Pirates can score runs offensively, their pitching staff should be enough to keep them atop the standings for most of the season. However, I am predicting the Dodgers to finish on top. I believe that this is their breakout season. They have a powerful lineup, good team defense and solid pitching from top to bottom. Harry Arundel (4-10, 34 Sv, 4.68 ERA) never settled into the closer's role last season despite doing well at it the year before. He has been moved to a middle relief role. 22-year-old John Cattanach (4-4, 0 Sv, 3.28 ERA) will now close out games. His success could determine whether or not L.A. upsets the Pirates, who are defending their first-ever pennant.

Despite a disappointing 83-79 finish last year, I still find it hard to believe that the Giants will have a losing record this season. Their pitching staff has underperformed now for two seasons in a row, and surely that cannot continue. They also still have perhaps the most dominant offense in the game. Remember, a Giant has won each of the past six Batter OTY Awards.






MLB results for 1885

Champs: Chicago White Stockings (Cubs), (87-25, .777)

Batting Title: Roger Connor, NYG, .371
OPS+: Dan Brouthers, BUF, 203
AB/HR: Abner Dalrymple, CHC, 44.7
RBI: Cap Anson, CHC, 108
Runs: King Kelly, CHC, 124

ERA+: Tim Keefe, NYG, 175
Win%: Mickey Welch, NYG, .800
WHIP: Lady Baldwin, DTN, .920
K/9: Lady Baldwin, DTN, 6.775

[darnoff]

Mid-Season Report

If the first half of the season is any indication, this pennant race will be a thrilling one, going down to the wire before anyone claims the title. On May 11th, four teams were tied for first with two more just 1 game out. Only two teams - the Braves and Phillies - were not in that group. Since then, however, the Pirates, Cubs, Giants and Dodgers have slowly separated themselves from the pack.

Pittsburgh currently holds a 6-game lead on the resurgent Cubs, but don't let that lead fool you. While the Pirates are the defending champs, there are still a lot of games to be played this season. The Pirates feel like they have the edge, and it's hard to argue since their team is ranked first in most offensive, pitching and defensive categories. They are 5th in home runs and stolen bases and 2nd in starters' ERA, but they rank 1st in nearly everything else. They have also scored an impressive 101 more runs than they have allowed.

Left fielder Pete Browning leads the league with his .361 average. He also leads the team with 15 home runs and 73 RBI. Meanwhile, Jim Devlin, last season's PoTY, is leading the pitching staff with his 10-4 record and 2.60 ERA.

The Cubs' offense is ranked 2nd, led by Ross Barnes' .342 average and 55 RBI from the leadoff spot and Cap Anson's 13 home runs and 56 RBI. Their pitching staff, long known as their weakness, has allowed the second most runs despite a rotation ERA ranked 4th. The trouble? A bullpen with a 4.92 ERA, the worst in the league. Closer George Crosby is holding his own with a 3-4 record, 14 saves and 3.07 ERA. The rest of the bullpen has ERA's of 5.00 or higher, except for setup man Tom Lee's 4.44 ERA.

The Giants rank 2nd in fewest runs allowed. That's great news for a team that feels like they missed out on the past two pennant due to pitching woes, but it is a shock to see their offense ranked 6th. They're too potent not to see that turn around. When it does, they should take off, assuming the pitching holds up. The Big Three of Dan Brouthers (.348, 17 HR, 50 RBI), Roger Connor (.294, 21 HR, 57 RBI) and Buck Ewing (.342, 18 HR, 59 RBI) are doing their part. They now need the rest of the offense to step up.

As for the Dodgers, rookie Denny Lyons led the NL with 11 home runs in April. He now has 18 two months later. He and sophomore first baseman Billy O'Brien (.239, 26 HR, 66 RBI) have led the offense, but they need some help to rank higher than 4th in runs scored. But their biggest concern is a starting rotation that ranks last with a 4.90 ERA. No starter has an ERA better than Candy Cummings' 4.11, and both Bill Wise and Cyclone Miller were demoted to the bullpen in favor of last year's closer Harry Arundel and setup man Charlie Sweeney. The pitching staff was considered the team's strength going into the season.

We will see which of these teams will fix what ails them and challenge the Pirates for the pennant.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[Carlton]

Originally Posted by scott1964

Piggy was a stolen base monster until Ty Cobb came along.

Yes but did he say
"Wee,Wee,Wee, until he went all the way home?"

KNEE SLAPPER

[darnoff]

Season Wrap-up

After a fine start to the season, the Cubs went 6-19 in July, 13-13 in August and then started September with a 9-game losing streak. Needless to say, they quickly plummetted to the bottom half of the standings. While their offense was a bit disappointing, there is no doubt that the failure of the pitching staff if the primary reason why the Cubs' season fell apart. That staff allowed the most runs in the NL, their starters' ERA of 4.55 was second worst in the league, and their 5.22 bullpen ERA was by far the lowest in the NL. It also didn't help that their defense ranked last as well.

While the Cubs were collapsing, the Pirates were chugging along in first. However, a 13-11 record in July and a 14-14 August record allowed the Dodgers and Giants to climb closer to them in the standings. The Dodgers went 20-9 in August and the Giants went 21-7 over the same period.

In September, with just two weeks left in the season and Pittsburgh holding a 3.5-game lead, the Dodgers and Giants split a 4-game series in Los Angeles. At the same time, Pittsburgh took 3-of-4 from the Reds, extending their lead by one game over both teams. A week later, Pittsburgh took 2-of-3 at home against the Giants. Their final win of that series came on Spetember 30th. On that day, they also clinched their 2nd pennant as the Dodgers lost their second straight game in Cincinnati.

The 1885 Pirates are one of the first teams I can remember that finished first in nearly every top team statistical category. They were 3rd in homers and 6th in steals, but they dominated elsewhere - including a 2.99 bullpen ERA and the best defensive efficiency rating around.

After struggling early in the season, San Francisco finished 3rd in offense and 2nd in pitching. John Ewing, the first pitcher in franchise history other than long-time ace Fred Goldsmith to be the Giants' opening day starter, led the rotation with a 18-10 record and 2.96 ERA. The offense's Big Three also got the help they needed as the season wore on from RF Dave Orr (.277, 20 HR, 61 RBI), LF Tip O'Neill (.264, 18 HR, 65 RBI) and SS Fred Pfeffer (.259, 23 HR, 95 RBI).

The Dodgers, on the other hand, found success despite a pitching staff that never put things together. Charlie Sweeney (10-7, 3.87) who started the season in the bullpen, was the only starting pitcher with an ERA below 4.00. Their young offense though is becoming a force to be reckoned with. They led the league in home runs, thanks to sophomore Billy O'Brien's league-leading 52 knocks and rookie Denny Lyons' 40. It's worth noting that Lyons - a rookie! - led the NL in walks, slugging and OPS.

Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[darnoff]

Just curious, is anyone following a specific team?

[darnoff]

Season Awards



Batter of the Year


Pitcher of the Year


Rookie of the Year



Fireman Award



Gold Gloves
P - John Clarkson, PHI
C - Jack Clements, PHI
1B - Henry Larkin, PHI (2nd consecutive)
2B - Bid McPhee, CIN
3B - Denny Lyons, LAD (rookie)
SS - John Peters, CHN
LF - Jim O'Rourke, ATL (2nd overall)
CF - John O'Rourke, ATL (5th overall)
RF - Sam Thompson, CIN (rookie)

[darnoff]

10 Year Update


The MLHR has now completed 10 seasons, so here are some stats to ponder.


After 1885, here are the actual MLB records for each franchise:

     W   L    %  Pennants
ATL 481 365 .569 3
CHN 540 299 .644 5
CIN 317 510 .383 0
LAD 516 326 .613 2
PHI 238 460 .341 0
PIT 367 468 .440 0
SFG 348 353 .496 0
STL 410 422 .493 0

And here are the MLHR records for these franchises:







Batting Records







Pitching Records

[darnoff]

1886 Rookies

Here are the highlights from a thin class of rookies. There are no pitchers listed, but several interesting pitchers were signed over the winter. I expect some, like Chicago's Jocko Flynn or Reds reliever Bill Smith to make an impact.


Hub Collins, 2B, Age 22, Dodgers

While not spectacular, Collins could be a big asset to this team as they attempt to capture their first pennant. He will likely split time initially in left field with Dave Foutz (.270, 6 HR, 34 RBI, 20 SB in 408 AB). He has a good eye for the strike zone and plays good defense, but his primary strength will be on the basepaths. He has the potential to steal 40+ bases some day if he gets enough at bats.




Mike Smith, LF, Age 18, Pirates

Smith should be a key addition to the 2-time defending champions' lineup. In fact, their offense has been their primary weakness in the past, so Smith's arrival should help them maintain their role of pennant favorite. He has the potential to be an impact player with his keen ability for getting on base. He also has 20+ home run power and the speed to steal 30+ bases. The question is where, and how much, he will play.

Let's make it clear that he will not be playing his primary position of left field with reigning BoY Pete Browning (.356, 30 HR, 124 RBI) holding down that spot. Could Smith take over centerfield from Tom Brown (.248, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 23 SB in 455 AB), a capable ball player with a .337 OBP and great speed but only average defense? Or will he take over right from veteran, and last season's leadoff man, Bill Crowley (.253 AVG, .359 OBP, 12 HR, 43 RBI, 83 R in 475 AB)?

It is less likely that Crowley, who won a gold glove in 1883, will loose his everyday role. It is more likely that Smith will take over centerfield, with Brown still starting every 3rd or 4th day.

It's worth noting that Smith is just 18 years old, and with his .300+ batting average potential, he may one day surpass the 2500 hit mark.

[darnoff]

1886 Key Retirees

This is the first time a notable player has retired. Tom York was the leader of the L.A. Dodgers offense from the outset of the MLHR and for many years after. As recently as 1882, he was still hitting 3rd in their lineup. Granted, the Dodgers struggled for many years but that was primarily because York had very little support offensively.

York led the league three times in walks. In 1877 he also led the league in triples and finished 3rd in OPS. He was also a two-time Gold Glover.


Tom York, LF, Dodgers

[darnoff]

1886 Preseason Predictions

As you can see below, the "experts" foresee the Pirates being the only serious pennant contender this season. If you look closer at the predicted stats, the runs scored should be very close between most teams. Coming from a team that struggled many seasons for offense, that bodes very well for the Pirates. Then look even closer and you will see that the Pirates' pitching staff should be the cream of the crop by a significant margin over most teams.

The Pirates have long had a strong pitching staff and this season will be no different. 34-year-old Jim Devlin is coming off back-to-back PoY seasons. He leads a rotation that is solid from top to bottom. The key difference maker, though, may be a bullpen that has become one of the most dominant around. Will Sawyer (7-1, 1 Sv, 1.89 ERA in 71.1 IP) moves back into the closer's role after a year and a half setting up former starter The Only Nolan. Nolan had six fine seasons as a starting pitcher. He took over the closer's role halfway through the 1884 season while Sawyer struggled. Last season he held the role all season, recording a 3-7 record, 25 saves and a 3.02 ERA.

While I believe the Pirates are the class of the league, I find many of the other predictions difficult to believe. I do not believe only two other teams will have winning records, and I certainly do not believe those teams will be the Phillies and Reds. While those two teams have improved, I still see the Dodgers and Giants as the top two challengers to Pittsburgh's title.

Let's not forget that L.A. had the best offense last season, and their starting pitching should perform better than last year. The Giants, on the other hand, should perform much better offensively, but the big question is whether or not their pitching - particularly their bullpen - can tow the line.






MLB results for 1886

Champs: Chicago White Stockings (Cubs), (90-34, .726)

Batting Title: King Kelly, CHC, .388
OPS+: Dan Brouthers, DTN, 208
AB/HR: Dan Brouthers, DTN, 44.5
RBI: Cap Anson, CHC, 147
Runs: King Kelly, CHC, 155

ERA+: Henry Boyle, SLM, 178
Win%: Jocko Flynn, CHC, .793
WHIP: Lady Baldwin, DTN, .967
K/9: Bill Stemmyer, BSN, 6.17

[gbwitheyes]

Would you be open to creating a quick start for you league? I would be interested to see some of the greats of my time and before my time play complete careers.

Will you be ignoring the years lost to wars?

[darnoff]

Originally Posted by gbwitheyes

Would you be open to creating a quick start for you league? I would be interested to see some of the greats of my time and before my time play complete careers.

Perhaps, but I use the standard db that comes with OOTP. I edit every player, so I don't know that it would be of any value to you. I also import everyone as a free agent and sign them to the correct team.

Will you be ignoring the years lost to wars?

The last dynasty I did stuck *exactly* to MLB history - wars, color barrier, and all - with fictional players. In this league, I'm basically ignoring everything except expansion. I have injuries, trades, financials, player development, etc turned off. I import rookies at the height of their ability and then age them manually beginning at age 30.


I basically want to see which franchises will have dynasties based on the players who broke into the big leagues with them (i.e. Barry Bonds with the Pirates, Roger Clemens with the Red Sox, Randy Johnson with the Expos, etc). I also wanted to see what players' careers would look like if they did not lose time to age (i.e. Satchel Paige, Ichiro Suzuki), health (i.e. Lou Gehrig, Roy Campanella) or events like the wars (i.e. Ted Williams, Bob Feller).

[darnoff]

Mid-Season Report

So far, it has been a fun pennant race to watch. For most of the spring, it has been a seesaw battle between the Giants and Pirates. Then the Dodgers went 21-6 over a 4 week period from May 26 to June 21. The Dodgers offense has not performed as well as last season. They are ranked 5th in runs scored, although they lead the league in stolen bases thanks largely to Monte Ward's improbable 47 steals in 48 attempts! Denny Lyons and Billy O'Brien lead the team with 16 homers each, although that is a slow start for O'Brien, who hit 52 last year in his first season as an everyday player.

The Dodgers pitching staff, on the other hand, is tied with the 6th place Cardinals for the fewest runs allowed. Their 1-2 starters Tommy Bond (10-4, 2.71 ERA) and Candy Cummings (11-2, 2.83 ERA) lead the league in ERA and wins. They also have the 2nd best bullpen and the 2nd best defense.

The Giants are tied for first place despite a pitching staff ranked just 5th overall and a defense ranked 7th! Their offense is clearly carrying them, as they are ranked #2 overall. They lead the NL with 107 home runs. Dan Brouthers leads the league with 22 long balls, and six GIants already have 10 or more. However, you cannot expect the offense to continue to carry the load all season. Either their pitching and defense will improve, or you can expect them see their lead in the standings slowly slip away.

The 2-time defending champion Pirates are just 1.5-games behind the league leaders despite an underperforming offense and pitching staff. If they begin to perform closer to expectations, you can expect them to continue to be the team to beat. They already have the best defense in the league. Rookie Mike Smith leads the team with a .304 average, while #4 starter Henry Boyle (9-5, 2.99 ERA) is performing best in the rotation.

Perhaps the biggest surprise this season is the fact that the Cubs are tied with Pittsburgh at 1.5-games out of first. Despite an amazing first half by closer George Crosby (3-1, 20 Sv, 1.05 ERA) and a solid performance from rookie starter Jocko Flynn (6-6, 3.56), the team still ranks dead last as a pitching staff - not to mention they are also last in defense. Despite being ranked #1 overall in offense, if they expect to maintain their relevancy this season, they will need to see some dramatic improvements on defense and on the mound.

It's worth mentioning that grizzled veterans Ross Barnes (age 35) and Cap Anson (age 34) are leading the Cubs' resurgence. After winning the league's first six batting titles, Barnes has not won another since 1881. This season, he holds a slim lead with his .349 average over Cincinnati's King Kelly, who is hitting .346. Anson has hit 17 home runs, 5th most in the league, while driving in 60 RBI, the 6th highest total. He is on pace to hit 34 homers with 122 RBI, which would be his highest totals since 1882.

The Reds have only played .500 ball up to this point, but they could be the darkhorse favorites to surprise in the second half. Their offense, defense and pitching are all ranked 3rd overall. They are getting solid performances from just about every regular player, so they are not a team the league leaders look forward to playing down the stretch.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[gbwitheyes]

Given the complexities of your league, I will watch and wait for the era of Sandy Koufax. I have wondered all my life what Sandy would have accomplished if he were not injured.

[darnoff]

Originally Posted by gbwitheyes

Given the complexities of your league, I will watch and wait for the era of Sandy Koufax. I have wondered all my life what Sandy would have accomplished if he were not injured.

Good to have you on board. I'm personally waiting for the 80's. I've always wanted to see how the Expos would've fared if they had kept all their home grown talent together. I'm also interested to see full careers for Bo Jackson, Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden.

[darnoff]

Season Wrap-up

This season had perhaps the finest pennant race yet, with four teams still in the race in late September. As of September 1st, the Dodgers held a 1-game lead on the Giants and Pirates with the Cubs just 1.5-games out. The Dodgers posted a mere 11-7 record over the first three weeks of the month, but the three teams chasing them fared worse and L.A. expanded their lead.

The Dodgers began the final week by winning 2-of-3 from the Cubs, and with four days remaining, the Cubs, Giants and Pirates were tied at 3.5-games back of the Dodgers. With L.A. taking a day off, the Cubs eliminated the Giants from the race with a 9-7 win in San Francisco, thanks to a 5-run 8th inning capped off by a Jimmy Ryan grand slam. The next day, the Dodgers won the first game of a 3-game series sweep of the Braves in Dodger Stadium by a 6-3 score. That victory clinched the team's first ever pennant.

The Dodgers had several standout performances over the season. Leadoff hitter Monte Ward hit just .243 (.314 OBP) but he set another new record for stolen bases with 77. Closer John Cattanach recorded 25 saves with a great 1.99 ERA, and first baseman Billy O'Brien hit a career best .283 and slugged 39 homers with a league best 136 RBI. Meanwhile, 34-year-old Candy Cummings won 21 games with a 3.19 ERA.

As for the two-time defending champion Pirates, their offense slumped somewhat down the stretch, finishing 4th overall. Their pitching and defense finished #1 each. The staff's top performer was arguably Henry Boyle (17-9, 3.38 ERA), and the bullpen was anchored by another solid year from Will Sawyer (1-5, 31 Sv, 2.32 ERA).

The Cubs offense finished ranked #1 yet again, but the pitching staff and defense were both ranked 2nd worst. The only arms you really can't point fingers at though were closer George Crosby (7-7, 38 Sv, 1.72 ERA) and setup man Bill Hutchinson (3-3, 2.59 ERA in his first season of relief). Second baseman Ross Barnes' .331 average fell just short of the batting title, as Cincinnati's King Kelly earned that honor with a slightly better .333 average. Barnes did, however, lead the league with an impressive 228 hits and 51 doubles.

As for the Giants, they finished with the #2 ranked offense, but their pitching staff could not hold up their end of the bargain, and they finished ranked dead last in the league - as did their defense! Dan Brouthers had another fine season, leading the team with a .324 average and 122 RBI, and leading the league with his 41 home runs.

A few other facts to remember going into next season as teams attempt to build a contending roster: The Cardinals finished with a solid pitching staff, primarily their bullpen, but the worst ranked offense. The Phillies' starting rotation had the best ERA in the league, but their bullpen was dead last and the offense was ranked just 6th, thanks mostly to an awful season from leadoff hitter Piggy Ward (.200, .330 OBP, 61 R, 25 RBI, 85 BB, 22 SB). Otherwise their offense had success with which to build on going into next season. Cincinnati was the most balanced team below .500, and I still believe they are close to truly competing. And Atlanta had the weakest overall performance and therefore has the most building to do before righting their ship.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders