A Random Storied Past

[Nick Soulis]

Here is my first real attempt to create a history of the game with a clean slate and the random debut function turned on. There will be no history and the league will evolve normally without minor leagues. The starting year will be 1901.

Hopefully you enjoy one of the very best features OOTP has to offer.

We start with an inaugural preview of all teams for the 1901 season and their new create rosters.

[Nick Soulis]

BOSTON AMERICANS



Manager: Jimmy Collins
Ball Park: Huntington Avenue Grounds



Starting Lineup



Batting Star - Buddy Blair 3B
Blair is part of a weaker lineup that will rely more on balance then on dominat power. Blair was a wartime player who played one season and had a .720 OPS. He will have the unique chance to anchor a lineup and rewrite his story.

Pitching Star - Pud Galvin
A true legend, Galvin will anchor a pitching staff that is expected to be the strength of this Boston team. Galvin has a rubber arm and at 25 years old should be at the top of his game. Galvin won 352 games in his career and could be the perfect arm for the era.

Grizzled Veteran - Goose Goslin
At 35 years old Goslin still has the ability to get on base and help his team. He will sit in the middle of a weak Boston lineup and will likely be asked to do alot more then his age would suggest.

Top Prospect - Tyler Glasnow
The narrative of pitching continues as Glasnow is slated to add more depth to a strong rotation. The 22 year old will be mentored by some strong arms and characters but isnt likely to make a big impact this season.

Predicted Record - 62-78
Not whole lot expected from this club as scoring runs could potentially really be an issue. Still look for close, low scoring games that could be deemed perfect for the era and the type of roster that they have constructed.

[Nick Soulis]

BOSTON BEANEATERS





Manager: Frank Selee
Ball Park: South End Grounds

Starting Lineup



Batting Star - Fred Lynn
A real talented all around hitter with a calm head and a desire to be even better, Lynn is sure to be a fan favorite in Boston. He has talent in the field as well as his quick bat that produces line drives like clock work. A great face to this team.

Pitching Star - Al Orth
The Indiana native never really lived up to his potential at the turn of the century with the Phillies but now has the chance to redo his career and be great for Boston. He will start the job as the ace and will have to stay healty and take some real expectations on his back.

Grizzled Veteran - Dallas Kuechel
Kuechel will spot start and get some looks as a fourth starter for the team but he can have a good calming infuence on a team that needs it. Kuechel had some of the best offspeed stuff in the game when he was in his pride and he will try to relay some of his best secrets to the craft.

Top Prospect - Bill Crowley - Catcher
Crowley will be the opening day starter at only 20 years old and will have a chance to show off his potential. In reality he made his mark in the 1880's with minimal effect but hopes to be part of the Beaneaters for many seasons to come.

Predicted Record - 69-71
The experts are calling the Beaneaters mediocre going into the season with no real young talent and some questions in their lineup. The hype for Orth really hasn't been there as some concerns remain about his potential while most agree that Fred Lynn is a real 5 tool talent.

[Nick Soulis]

PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS





Manager: Connie Mack
Ball Park: Colombia Park

Starting Lineup


Batting Star - Levi Meyerle
Meyerle is one of the earliest stars the game has ever known mastering his craft during the evolution of the sport. Now he is the centerpiece of a Connie Mack lead offense and may be the perfect player for this era. His bat to ball skills are unmatched, although his defense should be an adventure to watch.

Pitching Star - Jake Miller
Its hard to call anyone on this team a star on the pitching side. Miller is probably the team ace but he does not have overwhelming stuff. He only one 60 games in his brief career in Cleveland and will really have to show us something more if he is to be trusted as an ace.

Grizzled Veteran - Jack Pfiester
A relatively young team, Pfiester is one of the few players over 30 and the Cincinnati veteran will try to bring stability to a staff that needs it. Pfiester played on the dominant Cubs teams of the 1900's so in other words, he knows a thing or two about this era. He will be used alot by Mack.

Top Prospect - Jim Gott
At 22 Gott brings more hope to a pitching staff that has no real anchor and the hope is that he can blossom into something. In his real career he was more of a strong reliever and a closer with 91 career saves. He has a long way to go to become an ace.

Predicted Record - 67-73
Meyerle and Oyster Burns will bring good infield play while Rocco Baldelli in his prime will really patrol center well and be fun to watch in the spacious parks of the day. Still the pitthing just isnt there for Mack and his team, this may be an area that the team looks to trade for in the near future.

[Nick Soulis]

Baltimore Orioles



Manager: John McGraw
Ball Park: Oriole Park

Starting Lineup


Batting Star - Sammy Sosa
With magnificent power and a charming personality, Sammy Sosa will garner attention anywhere he goes. A shame in a sense that one of the most prolific home run hitters ever will play in the deadball era, but that is the fate for Sammy and he will try and make the most of it. This teams has aspirations of becoming the Giants, perfect for Sammy's persona.

Pitching Ace - Kevin Tapani
The soft tossing Tapani will try and be the most reliable arm for John McGraw. Tapani has a variety of pitches he can use and is a master of forcing soft contact. It is a bigger question if he and the rest of the staff could really do enough to compete for a pennent.

Grizzled Veteran - Hoot Evers
Evers at 35 years of age is the oldest player on the roster and will likely be used as a utility man. At his best Evers could hit close to .300 and play excellent defense. He is the type of player McGraw likes for sure and will lead by example.

Top Prospect - Jim Devlin - Pitcher
Devlin will be thrown right into the fire as a main stay in the Oriole rotation. He is quite a mystery as he only played three seasons in the 1870's but now has a real chance to establish himself if he could keep his command on the mound.

Predicted Record - 76-64
Experts really like this team to compete for the pennant and much has to do with their hard nosed manager John McGraw. Sosa is quite a slugger and Felipe Alou is a more dependable smooth hitter in the lineup. Marty Mcmanus is another very capable player at second base. It will come down to the pitching, and McGraw seems to think he has enough.

[Nick Soulis]

CLEVELAND BLUES





Manager: Jimmy McAleer
Ball Park: League Park

Starting Lineup


Batting Star - Dave Orr
Dave Orr played before the turn of the century and hit well over .330. He is one of the forgotten names in the history of the game but now has a chance to make up for it. Orr is in his prime and ready to lead a lineup that includes Ed Pinkham and Dansby Swanson. Orr could be a real star in the league.

Pitching Ace - Masahiro Tanaka
The Japanese ace will lead the Blues that have as much depth in their pitching as they do in their lineup. Tanaka is a control specialist and can log the innings needed for the era. He may not make all the headlines but a place like Cleveland may be a perfect place for his skills to develop.

Grizzled Veteran - Larry Bowa
Few players fir the description better of grizzled then Larry Bowa. Bowa at 37 years old will take his place at short even if he doesnt have the physical skills of most at the position. His smarts and effort make up for much and he will be a coach on the field as he prepares to position for Swanson full time.

Top Prospect - Ed Pinkham
Everyone loves a good left handed bat and Pinkham brings this to the club at 23 years old. The kid can also run and should help the Blues lineup from top to bottom. He also played on one season of bigleage ball, so it will be interesting to see how his career goes.

Preseason Prediction - 61-79
The experts really do not like the Blues as questions remain open about Tanaka as a real ace and a lineup that still has Bowa as a big part of it. No doubt the Blues will play hard and will look to build on something beyond this season.

[Nick Soulis]

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

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Manager: Bill Shettsline
Ball Park: National League Park

Starting Lineup


Batting Star - Charlie Blackmon
A contact hitter who is an immediate contender to win the batting title, Blackmon will be a fan favorite in Philly. With a good bit of power Blackmon has hit at every level and in every condition and season. The haters are wondering how his numbers will do without the luxuries of Coors Field. Dont bet again him.

Pitching Ace - Larry French
French was a consistent winner with the Pirates and the Cubs in his career and often gets overlooked for the era. He gets his chance to anchor the Phillies staff and I would not bet against him either. Young 22 year old Lou Brissie also has real promise in the rotation.

Grizzled Veteran - Ben Chapman
A winning player with the intangibles of a professional, Chapman will hold down left field but also will be a good mentor for the likes of Lou Piniella and the rest of the team. Fans really got to like the mix the Phillies have of young and older talent.

Top Prospect - Art Fletcher
Fletcher isnt that young at 24 but should be a mainstay for the Phillies for many years to come. Tall at 6ft 1 he makes for an ideal short stop and really could grow into a real star of the entire league if he keeps his head to the grindstone. Another winning player.

Predicted Record - 74-66
Many feel this Phillies team has what it takes to compete for the flag. The lineup is deep and the team defensively should do quite well. It is the pitching that will have to hold up and some also worry that the manager isnt the right man for the job.

[Nick Soulis]

CINCINNATI REDS





Manager: Bid McPhee
Ball Park: League Park

Starting Lineup


Batting Star - Andy Van Slyke
Along with Wally Moon, Van Slyke is part of balanced lineup that makes contact and can run. Van Slyke hit close to 300 doubles in his career and brings a competent left handed bat to the middle of the order. He had over 50 WAR in his career and should be a consistent star in the league.

Pitching Ace - Waite Hoyt
Hoyt was a star on the great Yankee teams of the 30's and knows a thing or two about taking the ball in a big game. He should fit in the role of ace quite easily and at 28 years old should be at his best. The remainder of the rotation is considered thin and will have its work cut out for it.

Grizzled Veteran - Steve Balboni
At 34 years old the veteran first baseman wont be playing everyday but still has a big bat and could play a role as an important pinch hitter. He is a power man without much speed so in grenaral his skill set in this era may not be best suited for success.

Top Prospect - Odalis Perez
With pitching a concern for the Reds, the hope is that the 20 year old Perez can blossom into something solid. He is the 5th best prospect in the league and did show flashes on ability in his real career with the Dodgers in the early 2000's.

[Nick Soulis]

DETROIT TIGERS



Manager: George Stallings
Ball Park: Bennett Park

Starting Lineup



Batting Star- Giancarlo Stanton
Maybe the one player that is worse set for the era, Stanton comes into 1901 with incredible power but heavy legs and a failing glove. His uniqueness can not be ignored however and pitchers will have to get around pitching to his huge frame and power bat. Very interesting to see how Stanton does in Detroit.

Pitching Ace - Phil Douglas
Tiger pitching will be of great concern for manager George Stallings. Douglas is only 21 years old and comes from the era in a career that saw him win 94 games mostly for the Cubs and the Giants. Along with Douglas is Glenn Leibhardt but he also has a very limited track record. Detroit pitching may just be the weakest going into the season.

Grizzled Record - Mike Kingery
Kingery will be the vocal leader for the defense in center field and along with Stanton is the oldest starter on a relatively young team. Kingery had a very modest career in reality with the Seattle Mariners. Another thing this team with numerous holes wont have is a true grizzled vet.

Top Prospect - Johnny Romano
The young catcher is the real hope of this team as he will start at backstop from day one and will have every opportunity to make a mark on this franchise for years to come. Romano is 23 and will bat third in the order, his work with a young pitching staff is alo cut out for him.

Predicted Record - 79-61
In quite a surprise which I do not see, many are picking the Tigers to raise the flag and win the American League.

[Nick Soulis]

BROOKLYN SUPERBAS





Manager: Ned Hanlon
Ball Park: Washington Park

Starting Lineup



Batting Star - Zack Wheat
Once a Brooklyn star always a Brooklyn star. Zack Wheat mirrors his real life career as the star of this team and the center of their lineups. Wheat will continue to be one of the most popular players of his day with all the tools to be a 5 tool star. Wheat very well may be the best player in the entire league.

Pitching Ace - Bill McGunnigle
Like many teams, pitching is more of a hope then a certainty for the Superbas. McGunnigle is known as the gunner and comes to us from the 1880's. How he adapts and how hard he can really throw will be on full display; his durability over a season could also be an issue.

Grizzled Veteran - Art Devlin
Devlin will take over the hot corner and will also will be a veteran voice on a team that is depending on alot of youth. Devlin has a good glove and accurate arm and he is perfectly fitted for an era in which he played in and won.

Top Prospect - Jim Dwyer RF
Known as Pig Pen, the 24 year old will start the season on the field and in right field. He is a big reason why there is hope in Brooklyn for his team as Dwyer is expected to fit in well with Wheat and Billy Sunday in a great outfield.

Predicted Record - 61-79
The critics really think that the pitching of the club could be the worse in the league and the feeling is that Brooklyn wont be playing with a lead very often.

[Nick Soulis]

CHICAGO WHITE SOX





Manager: Clark Griffith
Ball Park: South Side Park

Starting Lineup



Batting Star - Ken Kelter
A strong chin and a strong bat, Kelter will be at the center of the Chicago lineup and will be needed to drive in the big runs. He hit 308 home runs in his real career with a WAR over 43. He is 33 years of age and likely wont be a long term solution on the South Side.

Pitching Ace - Mike Scott
If there ever is a person perfect for the era it is Scott. Mike Scott doctored a baseball better then anyone in the modern game and will now be in his element to keep doing what he does best. The lefty had a short explosive career, and at 30 years old he should produce right away.

Grizzled Veteran - Clint Brown
Brown and Kelter are the oldest players on the roster and Brown will likely make spot starts and maybe some middle relief for manager Griffith. He had a nice career for Cleveland and Chicago pitching for 14 years without the best of stuff. Brown should fit right in with Scott and the pitching philosophy of deception.

Top Prospect - Al Pratt SP
Pratt is the real deal at 22 years old as the kid has a rubber arm and alot of poise. One of the very best in the early days of the game, it is Pratt who the club will pin its hopes on for years to come.

[Nick Soulis]

MILWAUKEE BREWERS





Manager: Hugh Duffy
Ball Park: Lloyd Street Grounds

Starting Lineup



Batting Star - Hardy Richardson
Yes he is 35 and could probably fit in another catagory but Richardson will be the heart of this team and still has the talent to be a force. He is great on the bases and comes from a career straight out of this era. Danny Richardson and Mike Sullivan are also good bats in a deep order.

Pitching Ace - George Bechtel
Once again not the household name one would expect but the club will depend on the 24 year old arm of Bechtel who should have plenty of innings in him. Bechtel and other starter Phenominal Smith both come from eras before 1900 which could play well in a 1901 season.

Grizzled Veteran - Bob Johnson
Maybe on his last legs ar 38 years of age, there may be a swing or two left of power that the old Philadelphia player may have left. He will spot start and surely add to the gamesmanship that this team has in general. If you expect him not to be a big contributor, you may be very wrong.

Top Prospect - Danny Richardson
The 22 year old can do a bunch of things including pitch, but his talents will be used at second base. Richardson also will be aggressive on the bases and will fill the mold for a team that seems to be put together well just to play in the small ball era.

Predicted Record - 66-74
A balanced team that is expected to finish middle of the pack. The Brewers could be the perfect small market team without the big name and the ability to use depth instead of star power to compete for victories and the adoration of their very rural fanbase.

[Nick Soulis]

CHICAGO ORPHANS





Manager: Tom Loftus
Ball Park: West Side Grounds

Starting Lineup



Batting Star - Ha Seong Kim
The Korean talent will take the middle of the diamond well and is expected to be a key factor with the glove at second and the bat. He isnt a great average hitter but can hit for power and flashes speed on the bases. Still in general the Chicago batting order is not scary.

Pitching Ace - Josh Beckett
Chicago likely has the best two young pitchers in the game in their rotation. Both only 20 years old, John Beckett and Matt Cain could build a dominant partnership for years to come. Beckett is a big game pitcher who can command a number of pitches and saws off bats with his approach. Anyone who saw the 2003 postseason knows how good he can be.

Grizzled Veteran - Brook Fordyce
The veteran catcher will play a bigger role then most people realize as he will anchor a pitching staff that needs to be good for this team to succeed. It will be Fordyce who will be flashing the pitches and building the confidence. He wont hit much at all.

Top Prospect - Matt Cain
Just like Beckett, Cain has an incredible resume of championships and big game performances. The excitement for his big frame and strength has Chicago dreaming big. Can the two of them pitch a combined 500 innings?

Predicted Record - 76-64
The Orphans are expected to be good and that will greatly depend on the maturity of the young arms. CJ Cron and a lineup with some holes hopefully wont have to score to many runs to win.

[Nick Soulis]

New York Giants



Manager: George Davis
Ball Park: Polo Grounds

Starting Lineups



Batting Star - Jim Fogarty
The 24 year old center fielder has the potential to be a real star in the league with outstanding speed and covering a lot of ground in the field. Fogarty will team with Scott Podsednik to make a potent duo on the bases for New York. Fogarty stole 321 bases in a six year career in reality.

Pitching Ace - Bobby Madritsch
A real issue for the Giants will be their pitching staff. Madritsch should be mature at 29 but many scouts feel he doesnt have the overall stuff to be an ace. The Illinois native pitched only two seasons in the bigs and didnt have much fo a career at all. Doc Amole and Brian Tollberg dont bring much hope behind him.

Grizzled Veteran - George Tebeau
On the youngest roster in the league TeBeau is one of the few names over 30 and will man first base to start the season. They cal him White Wings and hi angel reputation will be on display as he tries to bring leadership to a team that will be under pressure in New York. TeBeau had 275 RBI in five seasons during the 1880's and hit .269.

Top Prospect - Kelly Gruber
Gruber has it all including an excellent glove at the hot corner. New York fans are excited and hope to see the golden haired 22 year old as the future star on the roster. Gruber will bat 8th but will start from opening day
The Texan had a decent career in Toronto including a championship.

Predicted Record - 62-78
The club is expected to struggle with their lack of experience and most of all lack of pitching. It could be an ugly season for the fans at the Polo Grounds but the club should be fast and good defensively.

[Nick Soulis]

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS





Manager: Patsy Donovan
Ball Park: League Park

Starting Lineup



Batting Star - Jake Stenzel
Stenzel is the perfect type of player a club would love to build around. A .339 career hitter in reality and a player right from the era that also stole 292 bases and had all the tools in the field, he may be one of best best overall names heading into the season. At 25 years old he is in his prime.

Pitching Ace - David Cone
At 33 years old Cone will step right in as the ace of the Cards. He may not throw as hard as he used to but Cone has the smarts and the secondary pitches to really fill this role well. Cone is a big game pitcher and with a very good Cardinal lineup, he is sure to rack up the wins along the way.

Grizzled Veteran - Jose Cruz
Cruz isnt your typical player at the age of 35 and may have a number of seasons left under his belt. Cruz has a rifle for an arm in right field and can still run the bases with the best of them. A loyal player with a fierce competitive edge, St. Louis will surely love the style and leadership of this Puerto Rican.

Top Prospect - Eric Show
Mostly likely needing alot of mentorship, the 24 year old Show could build himself up to be quite a dependable starter. Show has great offspeed pitches and isnt afraid to challenge batters but he can learn alot from David Cone when it come to pressure and pitching with command. Show will start the year in the pen.

Predicted Record - 87-53
Most are touting this Cardinal team as the favorites in either league going into the season an chance to win over 90 games. Wally Pipp, Jim O'Rourke and Bill Spiers add to the potent lineup and this Cards team wont be easy to keep up with.

[Nick Soulis]

PITTSBURH PIRATES





Manager: Fred Clarke
Ball Park: Exposition Park

Starting Lineup



Batting Star - Carl Furillo
He may be the perfect man for Pittsburgh. AcSoft spoken player of great focus and most of all known as a winner. Furillo will be in the middle of the order and will also carry an excellent glove in the outfield. He hit 324 home runs in his real career with a .299 batting average.

Pitching Ace - Red Ames
The 29 year old Ames will take the role of ace but many feel the Pirate pitching could be a weakness for the club. Ames has good control but hitters can expect to make some hard contact behind him and his defense better be on their toes. The Michigan native had a 2.63 career ERA in his real career.

Grizzled Veteran - Matt Harvey
Harvey when healthy had electric stuff but he enters this season at 32 years old and any hope of brilliance has likely passed. Still Harvey may get a chance in this thin rotation and his mere competitive nature should be an asset to this club.

Top Prospect - Ron Northey
Considered the top prospect in the game. The Pennsylvania native will get a chance to make a name for himself in this league as the everyday right fielder and the potential for great things.

Predicted Record - 69-71
The pitching may not be enough for a team that does have some very good position players in their primes. Names like Don Money and and Butch Wynegar could really have an impact and Northey is the favorite going in for rookie of the year.

[Nick Soulis]

WASHINGTON SENATORS





Manager: Jim Manning
Ball Park: American League Park

Starting Lineup



Batting Star - Jimmy Wolf
They call him chicken but not because he lacks any courage in the field. Wolf is considered one of the sure fire stars in the league with great speed and an impressive batting eye. Wold hit .290 in his real career with 250 steals as well as 779 runs scored. He will impact the game when on the field and Senator fans are sure to love him.

Pitching Ace - Carlos Martinez
A bit of an enigma will take the mound as first choice ace for the Senators. Martinez can throw hard but his ability to stay healthy and focused will be put to the test. If he can put it all together, he has all the tools to be a star. His real career was short lived in St. Louis with alot of missed opportunity. We would be amiss if we didn't mention A certain 27 year old Mariano Rivera is also a obvious factor in the pen.

Grizzled Veteran - Jim Edmonds
One of the best centerfielders the game has ever seen, Edmonds is 36 years old but can be expected to track everything that is hit to him. He is a great teammate and someone who can come up with the clutch hit. Edmonds is the perfect example for any roster and would surprise no one if he took home the gold glove this season.

Top Prospect - Herb Pennock
He is only 19 but Pennock has the making of someone much more mature. He isnt slated to be in the rotation but that could change quickly. He is of great interest to see if someone as young as he is, can adjust to the big leagues in a positive way.

Predicted Record - 76-64
Everyone can agree that this is a good club but the long haul pitching need isn't really a strength and the club will need to find a way to get outs and eat up innings.