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

[darnoff]

NL Mid-Season Report

For most of the first half of the season, the NL pennant race was tight. In late May, there were six teams within 1 1/2 games of first place. Since then, the Reds and Braves have struggled while the Cubs and Giants have begun to pull away. Chicago is scoring runs as usual, led by the slugging prowess of Cy Williams (.292, 32 HR, 62 RBI), but the biggest factor in their success has been a #1 ranked defense and a pitching staff that is ranked 3rd in runs allowed and 2nd in ERA. 1912 PoY Fred Toney (11-3, 1.83 ERA) is leading the NL in ERA and has carried much of the load for Chicago. However, the fact that Larry Cheney (5-6, 2.62 ERA) and Ed Reulbach (8-3, 3.14 ERA) are also pitching well is a great sign for the Cubs.

The Giants are in good position to win a 2nd straight pennant. They rank 2nd in offense and 4th in pitching, although their defense is ranked just 5th. The good news is that their bullpen, led by closer Red Ames (2-2, 15 Sv, 2.18 ERA) and setup man Louis Drucke (7-3, 3 Sv, 1.95 ERA), is ranked 1st in the league.

The Pirates were at the top of the standings earlier in the season but stumbled in late May and early June. They are still very much in the mix thanks to their top ranked pitching staff and 2nd ranked defense. However, they will need improvement from the offense, which ranks just 5th. 27-year-old left fielder Beals Becker (.315, 21 HR, 49 RBI) is having the best season of his career.

The Dodgers have been the biggest surprise in baseball this season. They rank 3rd in offense but just 5th in pitching. However, 26-year-old Raleigh Aitchison (8-1, 1.92 ERA) is having a great season and is a big reason why the team is competitive. Meanwhile, left fielder Zack Wheat (.281, 32 HR, 70 RBI) is having a big year too.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

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AL Mid-Season Report

The Red Sox have been in charge of the American League all season, but recently the Athletics have gotten hot, winning 26 of their last 33 games. Oakland ranks 2nd in offense and 1st in pitching. Four of their five starting pitchers are among the top 6 ERA's in the league.

In Boston, offense is the name of the game. With the likes of Tris Speaker (.359, 14 HR, 60 RBI), Gavvy Cravath (.233, 26 HR, 64 RBI), Harry Hooper (.252, 12 HR, 34 RBI) and rookie Babe Ruth (.328, 32 HR, 89 RBI), it is no surprise that they lead all MLHR teams with 110 home runs. However, they also rank 2nd in pitching and defense. Elmer Steele (12-3, 2.14 ERA) leads the AL in ERA and wins. However, closer Nick Altrock (1-5, 18 Sv, 5.54 ERA) is struggling and at risk of losing his job.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[darnoff]

NL Season Wrap-up

The Cubs were looking good until the end of July when they began a stretch where they lost 10 of 13 games. They got things in order but found themselves behind the Giants. Then the Cubs lost the first five games in September. Meanwhile, the Giants went 21-6 in September and clinched their second consecutive pennant with more than a week left to play.

The Giants finished with the best pitching staff in the National League and the 2nd ranked offense. Dick Rudolph (22-7, 2.90 ERA) led the rotation and Al Demaree (16-8, 2.92 ERA) had a huge bounce-back year. Second baseman Larry Doyle (.285, 32 HR, 105 RBI, 14 SB) was the star of the offense and put himself in the Batter of the Year discussion.

In Chicago, the pitching staff faltered somewhat down the stretch. They still finished the season ranked 2nd in the league and ace Fred Toney (21-6, 2.56 ERA) is a favorite for Pitcher of the Year honors. Offensively, centerfielder Cy Williams (.273, 63 HR, 128 RBI) was amazing. He was arguably the top batter in the league this season. He also had three teammates who provided plenty of pop for the top home run hitting team in the league. First baseman Fred Luderus (.271, 38 HR, 104 RBI), third baseman Heinie Zimmerman (.287, 28 HR, 99 RBI) and left fielder Vic Saier (.231, 33 HR, 79 RBI) each were dominating at the plate.

Pittsburgh's Beals Becker (.274, 42 HR, 105 RBI) had a break-out season and 29-year-old Dots Miller (.297, 23 HR, 82 RBI) was impressive in his first season as a starter, taking over for the retired Honus Wagner. The Pirates pitching staff ranked 3rd overall with sophomore Al Mamaux (12-10, 2.95 ERA) doing a fine job in a follow up to last season's Rookie of the Year award. 22-year-old Wilbur Cooper (16-9, 2.83 ERA) also pitched well in his first season as a starter.

On a sad note, Phillies second baseman Nap Lajoie failed miserably in his attempt to chase the recently retired John McGraw's all-time hits record. Lajoie, at age 39, was hitting below .200 as a starter mid-way through the season. He agreed to move into a reserve role and his batting average improved to .259 in July, then .306 in August and .278 in September. However, he did that in much fewer at-bats, so his overall average for the season was still just .188. He did move into 2nd place all-time but he is still 286 hits shy of McGraw and will likely hang up his cleats.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders




National League Rosters

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AL Season Wrap-up

As we noted at the mid-season mark, the A's got red-hot in June. In July, the Red Sox made some big changes to the pitching staff with Dutch Leonard (8-7, 3.19 ERA) replacing Buck O'Brien (5-6, 4.95 ERA) in the rotation, Hugh Bedient (2-5, 19 Sv, 3.47 ERA) replacing Nick Altrock (1-5, 18 Sv, 3.82 ERA) as closer, and rookie Fritz Coumbe (10-2, 2.94 ERA) taking over the setup job from Fred Anderson (6-3, 2.74 ERA). As you can see from their numbers, Anderson and Altrock flourished in their new middle relief roles and Leonard performed well in the rotation. That helped Boston extend their lead over Oakland slightly, but from August 6-25, Boston lost 12 of 17 games and the A's took a slim lead in the standings. Then on August 26th, Boston began a 27-7 stretch that took them through the end of September. Meanwhile, Oakland went 12-15 in September and the Red Sox took the pennant with over a week left in the season.

The Red Sox boasted the top offense and top pitching staff in the league. At the end of June, I mentioned the four sluggers in their lineup, but third baseman Marty Klug (.245, 20 HR, 90 RBI) gave the team five batters with 20 or more homers. Rookie Babe Ruth (.323, 56 HR, 148 RBI) led the league in home runs and OPS. The pitching staff featured two 20-game winners in Joe Wood (20-4, 2.70 ERA, 245 K's) and Elmer Steele (20-6, 2.71 ERA). Wood captured the pitcher's Triple Crown by leading the league in ERA, wins and strikeouts.

It's worth noting that for the previous 13-year history of the American League, it's teams posted a combined ERA that was typically 0.30 to 0.50 higher than the NL ERA - a significant margin. A sure sign of a shift in overall level of talent, the AL's combined ERA this season was 3.84 while the NL's ERA was 3.70. Just last season, the NL posted a 3.96 ERA and the AL a 3.69 ERA which goes to show that this season marks a significant change in the relationship between the two leagues.



While the American League continues to attract talent such as Babe Ruth, the flow of talent into the NL has slowed and most of the new NL talent has been on the pitching side, with some exceptions of course, such as Cubs centerfielder Cy Williams and his MLHR-leading 63 homers.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders




National League Rosters

[darnoff]

1914 World Series

Game 1

This game started out as a pitching duel between Boston's "Smoky Joe" Wood and San Francisco's Jeff Tesreau. The pitching was dominant early until Babe Ruth hit a solo homer off Tesreau in the 4th to start the scoring. In the next frame, Chief Meyers singled and Tesreau himself double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with one out. Leadoff man Fred Snodgrass hit a sac fly to right field, scoring Meyers and tying the game. In the bottom of the 6th, the Red Sox put together three singles, a walk and two sac flies to score two runs and take a 3-1 lead. The following inning, San Francisco went to their bullpen and Ernie Shore could not even get an out, allowing 4 hits and 2 walks - 5 of which scored - as the Red Sox blew the game open and won 10-4.




Game 2

This game was very different than Game 1 because the offenses showed up right away. The visiting Giants scored two runs in the first inning off Elmer Steele. Boston's Tris Speaker countered in the bottom of the frame with a solo home run off Dick Rudolph. The Giants took a 3-1 lead in the 2nd inning, but in the bottom of the 3rd, Boston got three singles and scored two runs. Then Gavvy Cravath hit a 2-run homer en route to a 6-3 Red Sox win.




Game 3

Boston starting pitcher Ray Collins tossed 7 scoreless innings in this one. His teammates gave him a 1-0 lead in the 3rd when Harry Hooper doubled in Everett Scott. Then in the 5th, an error by Giants first baseman Fred Merkle allowed pitcher Collins to reach base to lead off the 5th. He later scored on two consecutive singles. Two outs later, Marty Krug drove in another run with a bases loaded single - giving Boston two unearned runs in the inning. In the 7th, San Francisco's bullpen fell apart again as Hooks Wiltse came in to face two lefties and failed by allowing a walk and then a home run to Babe Ruth. In the next inning, Wiltse allowed two walks and two singles when again facing the lefties at the top of the lineup. He was pulled for Louis Drucke, but he allowed two more runs to score on singles and the Red Sox went on to rout the Giants for a 3-0 Series lead.




Game 4

What a crazy Game 4! The Giants scored a run in the 1st and another in the 3rd off Rube Foster, but the Red Sox committed three errors in those two innings. The Red Sox countered with a run in the 4th off Christy Mathewson. In the bottom of that inning, shortstop Milt Stock singled and stole second, then Mathewson helped his own cause with an RBI single. He moved to second on a walk and then scored on an RBI single from Larry Doyle. Giants right fielder Steve Evans added a solo home run in the 5th for a 5-1 Giants lead. Meanwhile, Mathewson was pitching beautifullly, but then in the bottom of the 6th, he gave up two singles to Harry Hooper and Tris Speaker. He struck out Babe Ruth but then Gavvy Cravath doubled home both runners. Catcher Les Nunamaker later singled in Cravath and suddently the Red Sox had closed the gap to 5-4.

In the 7th, Mathewson gave up a single to pinch hitter Steve Yerkes, followed by a 2-run homer from leadoff man Larry Gardner, giving Boston a 7-6 lead. In the bottom of the 8th, Fred Merkle led off with a double off of reliever Nick Altrock. The Red Sox then brought in Buck O'Brien to pitch and Giants catcher Chief Meyers singled, moving Merkle to third. After a ground out moved Meyers to second, pinch hitter Dave Robertson hit a deep sac fly to score Merkle and tie the game. Unfortunately, Meyers did not tag up at second as he should have. Fred Snodgrass was walked and the Giants put in pinch runner Josh Devore for Meyers at second (this meant that both runners had a speed rating of 9!). Heinie Groh singled but Red Sox right fielder Harry Hooper gunned Devore down at the plate. Oh, if only Meyers had advanced to 3rd earlier.

In the top of the 9th, the Giants sent in closer Red Ames to pitch and a new catcher in Art Wilson, replacing Meyers. Boston's Gardner got a 1-out single. After Harry Hooper struck out and with Tris Speaker at the plate, Gardner decided to test the new Giants catcher by stealing second, but Wilson threw him out to end the inning. In the bottom of the 9th, Larry Doyle singled and moved to third when Red Sox catcher Nunamaker threw the ball into center field on a steal attempt. He then scored the winning run on a George Burns single.




Game 5

This game was another pitching duel between Joe Wood and Jeff Tesreau. The Giants finally got on the board in the 6th on an RBI double by Fred Merkle with two outs. Chief Meyers singled home Merkle and then shortstop Milt Stock drove in Meyers with a triple. With a 3-0 lead, Tesreau was left in to pitch in the 7th and 8th. In the 8th, he did give up a 2-out solo home run to Harry Hooper after striking out the previous two batters. He continued to pitch in the 9th and struck out Babe Ruth, then got Gavvy Cravath to fly out. One out away from a complete game, he allowed a double to Marty Krug. The Giants then brought in closer Red Ames who allowed an RBI single to Les Nunamaker. Ames then struck out shortstop Everett Scott to end the game. The Series now returns to Boston with the Giants still facing elimination for the third time.




Game 6

In a somewhat surprising move, the Giants made a change in starting pitchers, deciding to go with lefty Rube Marquard instead of righty Dick Rudolph, who struggled in Game 2. Plus the top 4 batters in Boston's lineup are all left handed, and lefty pitchers have had much more success against them so far in the series than righties have. The move paid off too as Marquard tossed eight innings, allowing just 2 runs. Meanwhile, Boston's Elmer Steele, who finished 2nd in the AL in ERA to teammate Joe Wood during the regular season, was banged up again as San Fran pushed across 6 runs, tying the Series and forcing a deciding Game 7. Now Boston must feel like their backs are against the wall after losing three straight games. However, they are at home for this deciding game. I must say that I am shocked that the Giants have clawed back to force a tie, but this should be an exciting game!




Game 7

In the top of the 1st, Giants third baseman Heinie Groh got a 1-out triple off Boston starter Ray Collins, but his teammates could not drive him in. But in the 3rd, shortstop Milt Stock surprised Collins and the Red Sox with a solo home run near the foul pole in left field. Then in the 4th, Collins began to struggle. With one out, he allowed a walk to George Burns, who stole second base and then tagged and moved to third on a sac fly. Fred Merkle then hit a clutch single to plate the run. That was followed by a Chief Meyers single and then a 2-run double from Stock to open up the game 4-0 in San Francisco's favor. In the bottom of that inning, Babe Ruth woke up his Red Sox teammates with a solo home run off Al Demaree.

In the 5th, the Giants scored a run off reliever Hugh Bedient for a 5-1 lead. Then Demaree began to struggle. With two outs, he hit pinch hitter Steve Yerkes to bring up the top of the order. All they did was single, double to drive in Yerkes and then homer - by Tris Speaker - to tie the game at 5-5.

In the 6th, the Giants had runners at 2nd and 3rd against Rube Foster with one out, but he struck out Fred Snodgrass and got Heinie Groh to fly out. Foster then pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the 7th. In the bottom of the 8th, the Giants decided to remove Dick Rudolph, who had pitched well in relief, for their last lefty, Hooks Wiltse, to face the lefty-heavy top of Boston's lineup. It turned out to be a mistake as the first batter, Harry Hooper hit a solo home run on a full count. He then walked the next two batters and San Fran brought in closer Red Ames who got a shallow fly out from Gavvy Cravath and then enduced a clutch double play ball from Marty Krug. Boston's Fred Anderson, who pitched a 1-2-3 8th inning, walked Fred Snodgrass with one out but then got Groh to hit into a game and series-ending 6-4-3 double play.




Recap

This Series looked like it was going to be a blow-out after Boston took the first three games, but the Giants showed a lot of heart by winning the next three against long odds. San Francisco's relief pitching struggled in their four losses, which felt like the key to me. And that is surprising considering they were the top bullpen in the NL this year.

Both offenses performed well and both teams got the same quality in starting pitching, but Boston's relief pitching was more reliable. It also didn't hurt that the top four men in the Red Sox lineup had respective OPS's of .987, .973, 1.062 and 2.100!

Series MVP

Babe Ruth, 1B: .667 AVG, .767 OBP, 1.333 SLG, 4 HR, 8 RBI

[darnoff]

Season Awards


NL Batter of the Year




NL Pitcher of the Year




NL Rookie of the Year




NL Fireman Award




NL Gold Gloves
P - Pol Perritt, STL
C - Hank Severeid, CIN
1B - Ed Konetchy, STL (3rd overall)
2B - Bill Sweeney, CHN
3B - Red Smith, LAD
SS - Scotty Ingerton, ATL
LF - Beals Becker, PIT
CF - Hi Myers, LAD (4th overall)
RF - Casey Stengel, LAD

AL Batter and Rookie of the Year




AL Pitcher of the Year




AL Fireman Award




AL Gold Gloves
P - Reb Russell, CHA
C - Wally Schang, OAK
1B - Hal Chase, NYA (3rd overall)
2B - Ossie Vitt, DET
3B - Frank Baker, OAK (3rd overall)
SS - Joe Cassidy, MIN (5th overall)
LF - Tillie Walker, MIN
CF - Tris Speaker, BOS (4th overall)
RF - Harry Hooper, BOS

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1915 National League Rookies


Dave Bancroft, SS, Age 24, Phillies

The Phillies need help at almost every offensive position, but few have been less productive offensively over the past decade than shortstop. That should end with the arrival of Bancroft, who is both adept at getting on base as well as an expert fielder. This is a great addition for Philadelphia. Now, if they can get some more batters to go along with their great pitching staff.




Jesse Barnes, SP, Age 22, Braves

Barnes is a solid pitcher who should continue to solidify Atlanta's pitching staff. He should crack the starting rotation this season.




Rogers Hornsby, 2B, Age 18, Cardinals

One of the greatest MLB hitters of all time, Hornsby will give the Cardinals a much needed jolt. Fortunately, he can play just about anywhere. The Cardinals have several productive players in their lineup already, so it will be interesting to see where Hornsby starts his career. He should be the odds-on favorite for batting titles, OPS titles and BoY Awards for years to come in the NL.




"High Pockets" Kelly, 1B, Age 19, Giants

Kelly is a very good hitter and an expert fielder as well. The trick for San Francisco will be finding time for him to play since Fred Merkle (.253, 25 HR, 80 RBI) holds down first base and former BoY Larry Doyle (.285, 32 HR, 105 RBI) is at second.




Bob O'Farrell, C, Age 18, Cubs

O'Farrell is a fine young catcher, but he will have to compete for time with Bubbles Hargrave (.286, 14 HR, 56 RBI) who is superior offensively but inferior defensively.




Dazzy Vance, SP, Age 23, Pirates

Vance is an absolute star in the making. Pittsburgh's already-crowded pitching staff will have to make room for him in the rotation. He looks almost like the second coming of Pittsburgh great Rube Waddell. He will almost certainly lead the NL in strikeouts, just as he did many times in his MLB career.




Ken Williams, LF, Age 24, Reds

Williams is a little-known outfielder with a ton of talent. He hits for average, has a ton of power and plays good defense. He will immediately provide a new leader for the Reds offense and could help lead them back to the top of the pennant chase.

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1915 American League Rookies


Happy Felsch, CF, Age 23, White Sox

Felsch is a fine young hitter, but he could be one of the best defensive outfielders we have ever seen. The White Sox need to figure out how to get him into the lineup with an already crowded outfield. The answer may be to move sophomore Braggo Roth (.244, 22 HR, 69 RBI, 33 SB) to third base, even though he is below average defensively there.




Baby Doll Jacobson, CF, Age 24, Tigers

Detroit has added another good young hitter to their team in Jacobson. However, I do not know how Detroit will get him enough playing time. Their outfield is loaded and they have three potential first basemen already on the roster.




Carl Mays, SP, Age 23, Red Sox

With Mays, the Red Sox continue to bolster their pitching staff. In fact, this team is bursting at the seams with pitching talent. Mays has a shot at this year's rotation, where he should be a solid pitcher.




Ben Paschal, RF, Age 19, Indians

Paschal is a good all-around hitter. The problem, like so many of the players on this list, is finding a space for him. He or left fielder Billy Southworth (.297, 28 HR, 100 RBI) may have to move to center field.




Sam Rice, RF, Age 24, Twins

Rice is also trying to find a spot in a crowded outfield. He may be forced to play his first season as a backup, at least initially. The team is finding it hard to take a job away from leadoff hitter and superb defensive centerfielder Clyde Milan (.273 AVG, .344 OBP, 40 RBI, 77 R, 61 SB).




George Sisler, 1B, Age 21, Orioles

One of the finest hitters in MLB Orioles (Browns) history, Sisler should have no trouble jumping into the starting job at first base. He should be an offensive giant on this team, with the ability to hit for average, hit for power and steal a lot of bases. He also rarely strikes out. I can see him generating a lot of runs for this team.

[darnoff]

1915 Key Retirees - Batters


Harry Arndt, 2B, Tigers

Won two Gold Gloves. Finished in the Top 10 in RBI four times. One of the top offensive players in the early days of the Tigers franchise.




Claude Berry, C, White Sox

Won three Gold Gloves.




Benny Bowcock, 2B/1B, Orioles

Named Rookie and Batter of the Year in 1903 when he won the batting title and also led the league in runs, slugging, OPS, VORP and WAR. This was during the very early days of the AL when it was thin on talent, but Bowcock had a successful career. He finished in the Top 10 in hits six times, home runs seven times, RBI five times, batting average five times, SLG six times and OPS six times.




Roger Bresnahan, C/LF/CF, Cubs

Won one Gold Glove as a catcher. Finished in the Top 10 in walks six times and OBP four times. 1560 of his 1877 hits came as a catcher, which is the 7th highest total of all time by a backstop. He is the all-time leader in walks as a catcher and has the 2nd highest career OBP.




Emmet Heidrick, CF, Cardinals

Heidrick was a mainstay in the St. Louis lineup for many years. He won two Gold Gloves and finished in the Top 10 in stolen bases nine times. His three best offensive years came in three of the four years that the Cards won the NL pennant during Heidrick's time with the team - 1903, 1904 and 1908. They won the World Series in each of those three seasons.




Tim Jordan, 1B, Twins

Jordan was the American League's first ever Batter of the Year, leading the fledgling league in home runs, RBI, SLG, OPS, total bases, VORP and WAR in 1901. He also helped lead the Twins to their only AL pennant that year. He went on to lead the AL in home runs three times and walks twice. His 451 career home runs is 12th best all-time.




Claude Rossman, 1B, Indians

Won three Gold Gloves. Finished in the Top 10 in triples five times.

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1915 Key Retirees - Pitchers


Jim Buchanan, Orioles

Buchanan had six successful years as Baltimore's closer. That was good enough to get him the 6th most saves all-time.




Andy Coakley, Athletics

Coakley was one of Oakland's starting pitchers in the early days of the league prior to the team getting most of the superstar batters that they have today. He started three World Series games, winning one in 1904 and one in 1907. He pitched in eight World Series games as a reliever across five World Series from 1908-13.




Dummy Taylor, Giants

Taylor was a constant in San Francisco's starting rotation for 12 years, most of those years being on poor teams.

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1915 Hall of Fame Induction


Honus Wagner, SS, Pirates

3048 H, 695 doubles, 117 triples, 363 HR, 1540 R, 1493 RBI, 829 BB, 2312 K, 389 SB, .283 AVG, .334 OBP, .470 SLG, .805 OPS, 122 OPS+, 10775 AB, 2664 G

1901, 1907 BOY
8 Gold Gloves - the most GG's all-time for any position!
2 Pennants
1-1 in World Series

All-time leaderboards Top 20: Triples (T-1st), Doubles (4th), WAR (6th), VORP (7th), Total bases (9th), Hits (12th), RBI (15th), Stolen bases (16th), Runs (16th), Strikeouts (17th), Games (18th)

Single season records: Triples (13 in 1908)

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1915 NL Preseason Predictions

I went back to my own preseason prediction formulas for several reasons. Fortunately, I've made it a little simpler to calculate, so hopefully I can use this method and still not delay the season.

This year, the Giants are coming off back-to-back pennants. The only other time the franchise won a pennant, they won three consecutive pennants from 1881-83. Perhaps that is a good omen and they will win a third straight this year. If they do, I hope that does not mean they will have to wait another 32 years to win the next one in 1947! The Giants are solid all around, with the bullpen being the primary question mark this season. The relief corps was fantastic last season, but they failed miserably in the World Series and will be under a microscope all year.

It's interesting to me that the Giants won the pennant in 1913 but the 2nd place Pirates swept the key player awards afterward. Then in 1914, the Giants won again but the 2nd place Cubs won most of the key player awards. To me, that says that the Giants are talented all around without one or two primary superstars that they depend on. When you look at the San Francisco roster, you see that my assumption is actually true.

This year, the Cubs and Pirates should both be in the thick of the hunt. The Cubs have an amazing offense, as usual, but their pitching is still a huge question mark. The Pirates, on the other hand, have fantastic pitching and added a stud in Dazzy Vance (10-6-7 ratings) this offseason. However, their offense is in flux with several older players declining in production. They will be leaning heavily on Max Carey (.264, 20 HR, 68 RBI, 86 R, 63 SB) and Beals Becker (.274, 42 HR, 105 RBI) to shoulder most of the load.

I also expect the Reds and Cardinals to be players in the pennant chase this year. The Reds significantly bolstered their offense with rookie left fielder Ken Williams (8-7-10-6-8) now batting 3rd. As for the Cardinals, they already had the makings of an exciting offense but then they added rookie second baseman Rogers Hornsby (10-8-10-7-6 ratings). Now they should have an offense than can rival Chicago's in runs scored - probably not in home runs. I will also be closely watching rookie centerfielder Jack Smith (7-5-4-4-7 ratings, 8 speed), who will be assuming the leadoff role for St. Louis. The big question for the Cardinals is the quality of the bottom of their pitching rotation as well as the back of their bullpen. Both look ugly.

Atlanta is still talented and could be a surprise team this year. They added rookie Jesse Barnes (6-6-7 ratings) to the rotation. They need their offense to strikeout a little less and get back to the kind of production they used to have. The Dodgers are hoping to build off their first winning season (82-80) since 1899. They added two rookie starting pitchers in Leon Cadore (6-6-7 ratings) and Duster Mails (7-6-5 ratings) to upgrade a pitching staff that was among the worst in the league for almost a decade.

As for Philly, they have a fantastic pitching staff - one that is probably second only to Pittsburgh's. However, their offense could be the worst the NL has ever seen - at least the worst since the Phillies themselves lost a record 119 games in 1880. Despite an awful season, the team begged 40-year-old Nap Lajoie (.188 AVG in 400 AB) to return for one more season in hopes that they can find someone capable to take over the job next year. Despite his poor hitting last year, Lajoie is still a very capable fielder. He is just 4 hits away from becoming just the second player with 3,600. He is also the only player to have recorded over 800 doubles and he is 19 away from reaching 900. He is now the last remnant of the great Phillies dynasty from 1888-1902.


Predicted Standings
(Scale of 1-12)

Rank	Team	Rotation	Bullpen	Offense	Bench	Speed	Defense	Totals	Grade	Predicted Wins
1	San Francisco Giants	8	6	8	10	8	7	8.1	A-	95	67
2	Chicago Cubs	5	5	12	8	6	8	7.8	B+	91	71
3a	Cincinnati Reds	6	7	8	8	8	6	7.3	B	85	77
3b	St. Louis Cardinals	6	5	10	7	6	8	7.3	B	85	77
5	Pittsburgh Pirates	9	8	6	7	8	5	7.2	B	84	78
6	Atlanta Braves	6	6	7	8	5	9	6.5	C+	77	85
7	Los Angeles Dodgers	5	6	7	6	6	8	6.1	C	72	90
8	Philadelphia Phillies	8	9	1	1	4	9	5.0	D+	59	103

MLB results for the NL in 1915

Champs: Philadelphia Phillies, (90-62, .592)
World Series: Red Sox defeated Phillies 4-1

Combined WAR: Gavvy Cravath, Phillies, 7.0
Offensive WAR: Gavvy Cravath, Phillies, 6.4
Defensive WAR: Buck Herzog, Reds, 3.3
Batting Title: Larry Doyle, Giants, .320
On-Base%: Gavvy Cravath, Phillies, .393
Runs: Gavvy Cravath, Phillies, 89
RBI: Gavvy Cravath, Phillies, 115
SB: Max Carey, Pirates, 36
OPS+: Gavvy Cravath, Phillies, 170
AB/HR: Gavvy Cravath, Phillies, 21.8

Pitching WAR: Grover Cleveland Alexander, Phillies, 10.9
Win%: Grover Cleveland Alexander, Phillies, .756
WHIP: Grover Cleveland Alexander, Phillies, 0.842
K/9: Grover Cleveland Alexander, Phillies, 5.764
Innings: Grover Cleveland Alexander, Phillies, 376.1
K/BB: Grover Cleveland Alexander, Phillies, 3.766
ERA+: Grover Cleveland Alexander, Phillies, 225
FIP: Grover Cleveland Alexander, Phillies, 1.82


MLHR Milestone Watch

600 Doubles
Buck Freeman, ATL, Age 34, 574 Doubles

500 Home Runs
Mike Donlin, STL, Age 36, 481 HR

2000 RBI
Nap Lajoie, PHI, Age 40, 1998 RBI

1800 RBI
Mike Donlin, STL, Age 36, 1756 RBI
Buck Freeman, ATL, Age 34, 1744 RBI

1000 Walks
Miller Huggins, CIN, Age 36, 930 BB

500 Stolen Bases
Bob Bescher, CIN, Age 31, 495 SB

4000 Innings Pitched
Noodles Hahn, CIN, Age 35, 3767.0 Innings

[darnoff]

1915 AL Preseason Predictions

The Red Sox have won two of the past three AL pennants and they have also finished 2nd in the other 5 seasons over the past 7 years. While the A's appear to be aging, the Red Sox really believe that this is their time now. They hope to build their own dynasty, and there is no reason that they can't do it. Their pitching is superb and their offense may be the best we have ever seen. One thing is for sure, with Babe Ruth (.323, 56 HR, 148 RBI) and Gavvy Cravath (.234, 47 HR, 116 RBI), few teams can hit more home runs.

The Athletics finished 2nd last season and they are still a threat to Boston, but they are slowly beginning to show some age. They also have not seen an influx of talent to help support the aging veterans. Age has taken a particular toll on Oakland's once-dominant pitching staff. However, the staff is still anchored by Chief Bender (18-5, 2.87 ERA) and Harry Krause (4-5, 37 Sv, 2.53 ERA) is one of the best closers in the game.

Chicago may be the heir-apparent to Oakland in the pennant chase. They were a very disappointing 81-81 last year, but they are just three years removed from a 94-win season. Their bullpen faltered last season, which should not happen again. Their rotation should be one of the best around, especially with 26-year-old Reb Russell (11-10, 3.30 ERA) pitching like a future ace in his first two seasons. While there are three dominant offenses in the AL, the White Sox know that their offense is not far behind.

Speaking of offense, the Tigers continue to improve theirs. However, their starting rotation is one of the weakest in the league. That has held them back for years and it may do so again this year. Their only pitching improvement was the addition of Howard Ehmke (6-6-6 ratings) to the #4 slot in the rotation, although he would likely be in the bullpen for several other teams. However, if their pitching staff can just maintain a level on par with the league average, the Tigers offense should be enough to propel them near the top.


Predicted Standings
(Scale of 1-12)

Rank	Team	Rotation	Bullpen	Offense	Bench	Speed	Defense	Totals	Grade	Predicted Record
1	Boston Red Sox	9	9	13	9	5	8	9.2	A+	105	57
2	Chicago White Sox	9	8	9	8	8	8	8.3	A-	95	67
3a	Detroit Tigers	5	7	10	10	8	8	8.0	B+	91	71
3b	Oakland Athletics	7	6	11	9	8	6	7.9	B+	91	71
5	New York Yankees	6	9	5	6	10	7	6.8	B-	78	84
6	Minnesota Twins	7	6	3	6	8	9	6.0	C	69	93
7	Cleveland Indians	7	6	5	5	6	6	5.9	C	68	94
8	Baltimore Orioles	5	8	1	6	7	5	4.4	D	51	111

MLB results for the AL in 1915


Champs: Boston Red Sox, (101-50, .669)
World Series: Red Sox defeated Phillies 4-1

Combined WAR: Ty Cobb, Tigers, 9.5
Offensive WAR: Ty Cobb, Tigers, 9.9
Defensive WAR: George McBride, Senators (Twins), 2.2
Batting Title: Ty Cobb, Tigers, .369
Runs: Ty Cobb, Tigers, 144
RBI: Sam Crawford, Tigers and Bobby Veach, Tigers, 112
SB: Ty Cobb, Tigers, 96
OPS+: Ty Cobb, Tigers, 185
AB/HR: Braggo Roth, White Sox and Indians, 54.9

Pitching WAR: Walter Johnson, Senators (Twins), 11.2
Win%: Smoky Joe Wood, Red Sox, .750
WHIP: Walter Johnson, Senators (Twins), 0.933
K/9: Dutch Leonard, Red Sox, 5.695
Innings: Walter Johnson, Senators (Twins), 336.2
K/BB: Walter Johnson, Senators (Twins), 3.625
ERA+: Walter Johnson, Senators (Twins), 191
FIP: Walter Johnson, Senators (Twins), 1.91


MLHR Milestone Watch

600 Stolen Bases
Ty Cobb, DET, Age 28, 587 SB

200 Wins
Chief Bender, OAK, Age 30, 199 Wins
Addie Joss, CLE, Age 34, 185 Wins

3000 Innings
Chief Bender, OAK, Age 30, 2834.2 Innings

3000 Strikeouts
Addie Joss, CLE, Age 34, 2864 K's

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NL Mid-Season Report

In one of the most surprising performances I have seen, the lowly Phillies find themselves in first place half way through the season. It's dificult to figure out how they are doing it. Perhaps it is all smoke and mirrors. After all, they are last in the NL in runs scored. However, their pitching staff ranks 3rd in the league, but it is hard to imagine that the team's pitching can continue to overcome some a lousy offense. Closer Ad Brennan (1-4, 28 Sv, 1.62 ERA) is having a superb season and has saved 28 of Philadelphia's 44 wins. In fact, he is on pace to set a new record in saves. He is projected to surpass the 50-save mark. If he does it, he will be the first reliever to ever accomplish that feat.

The other explanation for Philadelphia's success is the simple fact that all other teams are playing much poorer than expected. The Reds are currently poised to take the lead as they sit just one game back. They are ranked 2nd in offense, thanks to third baseman Jim Doyle (.321, 15 HR, 57 RBI) and rookie left fielder Ken Williams (.300, 23 HR, 52 RBI). However, their pitching staff ranks just 6th in the league in runs allowed. The good news is that the starting rotation ranks 2nd in the NL in ERA. Unfortunately, the team is currently last in defense.

San Francisco was in first place for most of the season until losing 6 of 8 games near the end of May and then going 11-16 in June. Their pitching staff is doing well, but their offense is underperforming. I do believe that they can turn things around and get back on top.

Atlanta went 20-9 in May and 15-12 in June to put themselves in the pennant chase after a slow start. Their offense is just 7th in the league and their pitching staff is only 4th. However, they have the best defense in the league and the 2nd best bullpen.

In Chicago, the Cubs lead the NL in home runs and runs scored as usual, but they are just 5th in pitching. In fact, their starting rotation has the 2nd worst ERA in the league. Their defense has been very poor too. Fortunately, their bullpen ranks first in the league despite some struggles from last season's Fireman Award winner Zip Zabel (1-4, 13 Sv, 4.76 ERA).


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[darnoff]

AL Mid-Season Report

The Red Sox and White Sox have been battling all season so far. Boston currently has a slight lead thanks to the AL's #1 offense. Boston also has the AL's #2 pitching staff. Starters Joe Wood (11-1, 2.98 ERA) and Ray Collins (10-2, 2.04 ERA) are having superb seasons. Meanwhile, first baseman Babe Ruth (.321, 35 HR, 64 RBI) is on pace to set a new record for on-base percentage thanks to his high batting average and 88 walks. That walk total also puts him on pace to shatter the record of 135 walks that has stood since it was set by "Black Jack" Burdock in the MLHR's inaugural 1876 season.

In Chicago, the White Sox are the ying to Boston's yang. They have the top pitching staff and #2 offense. Jack Fournier (.360, 22 HR, 71 RBI) and Edd Roush (.306, 10 HR, 40 RBI) lead the offense and four of the team's five starting pitchers have ERA's below 3.00.

Oakland struggled to stay above .500 early in the season, but they have begun to get their act together. However, they rank just 4th in both offense and pitching and their bullpen has blown up to the tune of a 7th place ranking. Meanwhile, Detroit has the best team batting average (.268) and 2nd best team OBP (.335) and they have scored the 3rd most runs. Even their bullpen is playing well, achieving a #1 ranking thus far. Unfortunately, the starting rotation has the worst ERA (4.73) in the league and the team is ranked next to last in defense.

Cleveland has been a pleasant surprise. Rookie centerfielder Ben Paschal (.321, 14 HR, 48 RBI) has been a big help but the team's offense is still ranked just 5th. Their offense has fared better, ranking 3rd in the AL. Vean Gregg (6-5, 2.95 ERA) has the best ERA on the team and Guy Morton (9-2, 3.20 ERA) has the most wins.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[darnoff]

NL Season Wrap-up

There was no dominant team in the NL, but that certainly made for an exciting pennant race. In early August, there were six teams within six games of first place. However, by late August that had changed as the Phillies came crashing back down to earth with an 8-16 record in July and then a 9-19 record in August. On September 1st, the Giants led the Cubs by 2 games, the Reds by 5.5 games and the Braves by 6 games. A week later, the Giants had a 6-game lead.

On September 24th, San Francisco hosted the Cubs for a huge 3-game series. All three games were battles but the Giants came out on top in all three, winning by scores of 2-1, 8-7 and 4-3. Once that sweep was complete, the Giants had clinched their 3rd consecutive pennant. That tied them with their franchise's only other pennant winning group who won three consecutive titles from 1881-83. The worrisome part is the fact that the Giants did not run away from a weak National League this year, and they should expect to face stiff competition from the American League in the World Series. Their bullpen was ranked just 5th in the league this year. That unit was a big part of the reason why they lost last year's World Series and they will be key to whether or not the team can win this year.

In Philadelphia, 40-year-old Nap Lajoie hit .310 in 76 August at-bats and .278 in September. He surpassed the 900 doubles mark and he is just 2 hits shy of 3700. It is unlikely that he will return next season, but then again we said that last year. He is 184 hits away from the all-time mark set by John McGraw.

It's worth mentioning that with an 80-82 record, the Pirates posted their first losing season since 1896... yes, 19 years ago! Their pitching staff did their part, ranking 2nd in the NL, and rookie Dazzy Vance (21-6, 2.66 ERA) was fantastic. However, the offense scored the second fewest runs in the league. To compete next year, they need an infusion of young offensive talent.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders




National League Rosters

[darnoff]

AL Season Wrap-up

The AL pennant race remained a 2-team competition as Boston and Chicago went back-and-forth all season long. On September 14th, Boston held a 2-game lead, but they lost 9 of their next 12 games, dropping two against the lowly Orioles, two more to Detroit, being swept in three games in Cleveland and then losing two more in New York. That allowed Chicago to take a 4 1/2 game lead with one week left to play.

The two teams began the final week by facing off for three games in Boston. In the first game, Chicago's Reb Russell (18-8, 2.40 ERA) and Boston's Elmer Steele (14-6, 3.97 ERA) faced off in an epic pitching duel. Both teams scored in the first inning and the game remained tied 1-1 until the 6th when Chicago right fielder Edd Roush (.313, 21 HR, 86 RBI) hit a solo home run to lead off the inning. The White Sox went on to win the nail-biter 2-1 which cut their magic number to 2.

In the second game, Chicago tattooed AL ERA leader Ray Collins (20-8, 2.16 ERA) for 6 runs (2 earned) in the first inning. The Red Sox began a come back late in the game, but the White Sox held on for a 7-5 victory, which clinched the franchise's first-ever pennant!

Here are some facts of note: Chicago setup man Mellie Wolfgang had an amazing 16-1 record in 84 games and 121.2 innings. That's the most wins I ever recall a reliever getting. He was actually leading the AL in wins at the end of July! Meanwhile, Boston's Babe Ruth (.294, 59 HR, 131 RBI) set a new MLHR record with 148 walks, breaking a 40-year old record. Detroit's sophomore right fielder Harry Heilmann led the batting race for most of the season, but Orioles rookie George Sisler just nipped him by mere percentage points on the final day of the season.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders




National League Rosters

[darnoff]

1915 World Series

Game 1

This was a good pitching duel between Giants starter Jeff Tesreau and Chicago's Reb Russell. White Sox first baseman Jack Fournier got the scoring started with a 2-out 2-run homer off Tesreau in the bottom of the 3rd. The Giants answered in the next inning with a solo home run from Dave Robertson. An inning later, shortstop Milt Stock hit a solo home run off Russell, after hitting just 3 during the entire season, to give the Giants a 2-1 lead.

In the top of the 9th with White Sox closer Harry Suter on the mound, the Giants got two singles with two outs. Then Larry Doyle hit a routine fly ball to left field that Ping Bodie misplayed, allowing another run to score. That would prove disastrous for Chicago because in the bottom of the 9th, the White Sox got a solo home run from catcher Ray Schalk which would have tied the game without Bodie's error, but instead the White Sox failed to score another run against reliever Louis Drucke and lost 3-2.




Game 2

After his big error the day before, Ping Bodie was motivated to make amends today. In the first inning with two runners on base and two out, he laced a 2-run double off Dick Rudolph. The Giants tied the score with two runs the next inning off veteran starter Ed Walsh. In the bottom of the inning with a runner on first, Giants catcher Chief Meyers fielded a bunt by Walsh but threw it into center field trying to make a play at second base. A double and a single later, the White Sox had scored three more to take a 5-2 lead.

In the 3rd, Bodie ended the inning with a spectacular diving catch. He led off the next inning and nearly hit one over the fence but was robbed by Giants right fielder Dave Robertson. Two innings later, Bodie hit a 2-run homer off Rudolph to open the game up 7-2. The Giants managed to narrow the score to 7-5 and in the 8th inning they had the bases loaded but Chicago closer Harry Suter came in to get the last out. Suter then pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning to seal the win.




Game 3

In the top of the first inning, Giants starter Rube Marquard was in trouble with the bases loaded and nobody out. He struck out slugging cleanup hitter Jack Fournier and then struck out Ping Bodie. However, he was not so lucky against Braggo Roth, who cleared the bases with a triple into the right-center fielded alley. In the 4th, Roth led off with a solo home run. The Giants scored two runs in the 6th and then Giants reliever Al Demaree, who was actually a starter during the regular season, got three outs the previous inning on just three pitches. However, in the 8th, he threw 6 pitches to the first batter, Happy Felsch, and walked him. He threw 8 more pitches to the next batter, Edd Roush, for another walk. He settled down and got the next two batters out, but then Braggo Roth stepped up to the plate in another key situation and belted a 3-run homer on the second pitch he saw. Meanwhile, White Sox starter Phil Douglas threw a complete game and Chicago went on to win 7-3.




Game 4

This was a fantastic pitching duel between Chicago's Jim Scott and San Francisco's Christy Mathewson. Both pitchers went 7 1/3 innings without giving up a run. The game remained scoreless going into the top of the 9th when relievers Red Ames, who began the season as the closer, and Louis Drucke, who finished the season as the closer, combined to allow seven, yes seven, runs cross the plate as the White Sox took a 3-1 series lead.




Game 5

The Giants made a surprising decision to play rookie George Kelly at second base in place of 2-time Batter of the Year Larry Doyle because Doyle is left handed and the White Sox were sending their only left-handed starting pitcher to the mound in Reb Russell. It is also likely that Doyle was sitting due to his .111 World Series average. As surprising as the move was, it paid off when Kelly hit a solo home run off Russell in the bottom of the 4th, delighting the home crowd. Other than that hit, Russell and his counterpart Jeff Tesreau were nearly unhittable and they struck out 11 batters each!

With the Giants still winning 1-0 in the top of the 9th, White Sox catcher Ray Schalk singled with runners at 1st and 2nd off reliever Doc Crandall to tie the game. Crandall then got shortstop Buck Weaver to ground into an inning-ending double play. In the bottom of the 9th, Russell got the first two Giants batters out but Dave Robertson kept the inning alive with a single. Fred Merkle then hit a ball to third that was muffed by poor-fielding Braggo Roth, who is often removed late in games for a defensive replacement. Russell was then pulled for setup man Mellie Wolfgang, who had not yet appeared in the World Series. After a called strike, Heinie Groh hit the second pitch up the middle into center field, scoring Robertson from second and winning the game.




Game 6

In the bottom of the 3rd, White Sox shortstop Buck Weaver, who was hitting a paltry .100 in the series, led off with a solo home run against Dick Rudolph to start the scoring. Then in the 5th, Rudolph got the run back by hitting a solo home run himself with two outs against Ed Walsh. Chicago immediately got the run back in the bottom of the 5th inning though and then the Giants tied it up once again in the top of the 6th inning. In the bottom of the 6th, Chicago took a 3-2 lead on a 2-out solo home run by Jack Fournier. An inning later, pinch hitter Dutch Zwilling hit a 2-out, 2-run home run off Rudolph to give the White Sox a 5-2 lead. Reliever George Mogridge pitched a scoreless 8th inning and Mellie Wolfgang closed it out in the 9th, giving the White Sox their first ever World Series title!




Recap

Both teams really played their hearts out but in the end Chicago got more key hits and their pitching was stronger. In fact, not a single White Sox reliever was charged with a run the entire series. Their four starters had a combined 2.30 ERA over six starts (47 innings pitched).

Series MVP

Co-MVP's were named for the first time:
Reb Russell, SP, White Sox: 0-2, 16.2 IP, 18 K, 1.62 ERA
Jeff Tesreau, SP, Giants: 1-0, 14.2 IP, 16 K, 0.61 ERA

[darnoff]

Season Awards


NL Batter and Rookie of the Year




NL Pitcher of the Year




NL Fireman Award




NL Gold Gloves
P - Dolf Luque, ATL
C - Jimmy Archer, PIT (3rd overall)
1B - Ed Konetchy, STL (4th overall)
2B - Rabbit Maranville, ATL
3B - Heinie Groh, SFG (3rd overall)
SS - Dots Miller, PIT
LF - Ken Williams, CIN (rookie!)
CF - Max Carey, PIT (2nd overall)
RF - Walton Cruise, STL

AL Batter of the Year




AL Pitcher of the Year




AL Rookie of the Year




AL Fireman Award




AL Gold Gloves
P - Scott Perry, BAL
C - Johnny Bassler, CLE
1B - George Sisler, BAL (rookie!)
2B - Eddie Collins, OAK (5th overall)
3B - Frank Baker, OAK (4th overall)
SS - Donie Bush, DET (4th overall)
LF - Ping Bodie, CHA (2nd overall)
CF - Happy Felsch, CHA (rookie!)
RF - Edd Roush, CHA

[darnoff]

1916 National League Rookies


Hack Miller, LF, Age 22, Dodgers

Miller is an exciting young offensive player. He should hit for a high average with 30+ home runs per season. Unfortunately, he plays left field and the Dodgers already have the 1909 RoY, 1911 BoY and 2-time Gold Glover Zack Wheat (.305, 43 HR, 102 RBI) in left field. Both players played about 99% of their career MLB games in left field, so it will be tough to find another spot for either of them, especially since Los Angeles has Casey Stengel (.284, 31 HR, 86 RBI) in right field and 4-time Gold Glover Hi Myers (.292, 19 HR, 69 RBI) in center.