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

[sprague]

What are those league totals you use?

And do you manually put them in each pre season, or did you edit a year in the DB era stats file?

I wound up just doing a change to the league modifiers after the update on first game of season- but your way might be smarter

[darnoff]

Originally Posted by sprague

What are those league totals you use?

And do you manually put them in each pre season, or did you edit a year in the DB era stats file?

I wound up just doing a change to the league modifiers after the update on first game of season- but your way might be smarter

I think I started with the same league totals that OOTP generates for a standard new 2014 league. I check the historical accuracy page every month and make small changes as I go along if something looks out of whack. By keeping a close eye on it, I typically end up with overall league stats within the range I am looking for.

[darnoff]

1889 Preseason Predictions

The Phillies bandwagon is pretty full these days, and deservedly so after a fine season last year. In my opinion, they have the makings of a dynasty, especially since every other team has some glaring weakness. And in case you think that this potential dynasty was solely built on the 5 fantastic rookies they added last season, think again. They have aging stars such as George Hall and Levi Meyerle contributing, but this team has been built over several seasons. It began in 1884 when now-ace and 1888 PoY Charlie Ferguson was signed, along with slugging catcher Jack Clements (.244, 21 HR, 100 RBI), first baseman Henry Larkin (.281, 22 HR, 94 RBI) and fellow starter Bill Vinton (13-12, 3.32 ERA). And don't forget the addition of shortstop Lave Cross in 1887 and pitcher John Clarkson (14-14, 4.12 ERA) in 1882.

Despite what the predictions below say, I believe the Pirates will be the Phillies' biggest challenger this season. They have a solid offense and one of the best pitching staffs around. The Dodgers pitching staff is too big of a question mark to be a serious contender for the pennant. They are a good team and should compete with the likes of Chicago, Cincinnati and San Francisco for 3rd place.

Like the Dodgers, the Giants have a big question mark in the pitching department that will likely sink any pennant hopes they have. But if you are looking for a team to surprise and challenge Pittsburgh for 2nd, or possibly push the Phillies, my money is on the Cubs or Reds. I know I've been saying the Reds have talent for a number of seasons now, but I feel like they are due to break out. I also believe the Cubs grossly underperformed last season. 36-year-old Cubs first baseman Cap Anson can't have such a poor season again, can he? I think not. Al Spalding seems to have found the fountain of youth, and the rest of their rotation is young, but talented. So I feel like they will be right back in the mix this year.





MLB results for 1889

Champs: New York Giants, (83-43, .659)

Batting Title: Dan Brouthers, BSN, .373
OPS+: Fred Carroll, PIT, 183
AB/HR: Sam Thompson, PHI, 26.7
RBI: Roger Connor, NYG, 130
Runs: Mike Tiernan, NYG, 147
SB: Jim Fogarty, PHI, 99

ERA+: John Clarkson, BSN, 150
Win%: John Clarkson, BSN, .721
WHIP: John Clarkson, BSN, 1.277
K/9: Tim Keefe, NYG, 5.563


Milestone Watch

Now this is exciting - Chicago's Ross Barnes is 76 hits away from being the first player to reach 3000 hits! As if Barnes wasn't already a first ballot HOF'er, he will etch his name in the history books this season. Philadelphia's George Hall is also on pace to reach 2500 hits. Because he has played in Philly, Hall has not gotten the notoriety he deserves. He has a career .304 average, 241 homers, 1015 RBI and he will soon join the 2500 hit club.

Speaking of hits, can Barnes' teammate Cap Anson get back on track this season? There are several milestones that he is due to reach this season.


3000 hits
Ross Barnes, CHN, Age 37, 2924 hits

2500 hits
George Hall, PHI, Age 38, 2469 hits
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 36, 2315 hits

400 HR
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 36, 398 HR
Jim O'Rourke, ATL, Age 37, 389 HR
Dan Brouthers, SFG, Age 31, 378 HR

1500 RBI
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 36, 1484 RBI

1000 Walks
Bill Crowley, PIT, Age 31, 959 BB

700 SB
Monte Ward, LAD, Age 30, 654 SB

200 wins
Candy Cummings, LAD, Age 37, 191 wins
Tommy Bond, LAD, Age 32, 188 wins
Terry Larkin, SFG, Age 32, 187 wins

3500 strikeouts
Fred Goldsmith, SFG, Age 36, 3452 K's

3000 strikeouts
Tommy Bond, LAD, Age 32, 2994 K's

300 saves
Bill McGunnigle, STL, Age 35, 283 Sv

[darnoff]

Mid-Season Report

The Dodgers and Phillies were going toe-to-toe for the pennant for most of the spring. Then came June 4th when the Cubs beat those same Phillies 2-1 and sparked a remarkable 14-game winning streak. During that span, the Cubs won two in Philly, then swept the Giants and Cardinals on the road, then swept the Dodgers back at home in Chicago. They finished the home stand by winning the first 2-of-3 against the Pirates. On June 19th, the Pirates took the final game of that series by a score of 5-4 thanks to a 2-out single in the 9th inning by pinch hitter George Pinkney. The Cubs then won 7 of their final 10 games in June and sit atop the division at the season's halfway point.

It should be no surprise that three of the top six batting averages in the league belong to Cubs. Ross Barnes collected his 3000th hit on May 30th in a 6-1 loss at Pittsburgh off Pirates starter Henry Boyle. Cap Anson has gotten his act back together and is hitting .291 with 12 HR and 42 RBI. He has reached the 400 HR mark and became the first player to 1500 RBI. Hugh Duffy is second in the league with his .333 average, but the most impressive season so far for Chicago may be Jimmy Ryan's. "Pony," as he is called, leads the league with a .608 slugging percentage and is tied with Cincinnati's Sam Thompson with 22 homers.

L.A. has had an unexpectedly impressive season so far thanks largely to a resurgent pitching staff that has allowed the fewest runs and has the best starter's ERA in the league. They also have the 2nd best bullpen ERA. Leading the way are veteran Tommy Bond (11-4, 2.95 ERA), who is now 1 win away from 200, and rookie Sadie McMahon (10-2, 2.21 ERA).

The vaunted Phillies offense has underperformed thus far. They have hit the fewest home runs and scored only the 4th most runs in the league. Certainly that cannot last. As expected though, their biggest weakness has been their bullpen, although they are ranked 4th overall. Bill Taylor, their 3rd closer in three seasons, has struggled to the tune of an 8.39 ERA and 5 blown saves in 18 opportunities. He will be replaced in that role by last season's closer Hardie Henderson.

The Pirates have struggled thanks to an offense ranked dead last in the league. The Giants, on the other hand, have a pitching staff that has allowed the 3rd most runs in the league and has the worst bullpen ERA around. As for the Reds, this may be the last season I sing their praises. They're ranked 7th in runs scored and runs allowed and 8th in defense.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[darnoff]

Season Wrap-up

The Cubs had their big winning streak in the first half of the season. This time, it was the Dodgers' turn. After a mediocre 12-12 July, the Dodgers went 20-7 in August including a 13-game winning streak to put them squarely in first. Unfortunately, they then dropped 10 of 12 in early September. Going into the final week of the season, the Dodgers were a half game behind the Cubs and the defending champion Phillies were 3.5-games out.

The Phillies dropped 2-of-3 in Pittsburgh, then on the following day while the Phillies were off, the Cubs lost to St. Louis. That put the Cubs and Dodgers in a tie for first and the Phillies 3 games back... with only 3 games left. The Dodgers won 2-of-3 from the Braves to finish the season and the Cubs won 2 of the final 3 games in their 4-game set with the Cardinals. That left the two teams in the first-ever tie for first place.

The Cubs and Dodger played a single game two days later in Los Angeles to determine the pennant. The teams went into the 8th inning tied 2-2. Both teams scored 2 runs in the 8th, and Cubs went down 1-2-3 in the 9th. In the final frame of the game, Dodger right fielder Bob Caruthers reached base on an error by second baseman Ross Barnes. The next batter, left fielder Walt Wilmot, hit a 3-2 pitch to right field for a pennant-winning triple.

For those like me who are interested in the careers of the veteran Cubs I have discussed in earlier posts this season, Cap Anson had his best season in four years hitting .288 with 23 HR and 76 RBI. He also now has 2440 career hits, which puts him on pace to reach 2500 next season. Ross Barnes hit just .297 this season, but he once again led the league with 211 hits, putting him at 3135 lifetime. He also leads the league in career doubles with 663. Al Spalding went 14-10 with a 3.76 ERA, putting his career numbers at 235-122 with a 3.22 ERA.


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 - Mickey Welch, SFG (after 14 seasons, he is the first pitcher to ever win a second GG!)
C - Buck Ewing, SFG (7th overall)
1B - Henry Larkin, PHI (4th overall)
2B - Hardy Richardson, STL (5th overall)
3B - Billy Nash, ATL (3rd overall)
SS - Ed McKean, CIN
LF - Walt Wilmot, LAD
CF - Billy Hamilton, PHI (2nd consecutive)
RF - Jimmy Ryan, CHN (2nd overall)

[darnoff]

1890 Key Retirees

Several long-time players retired this offseason. I am debating just how many of these players to post going forward. I've been trying to limit it to the very best players, but if the readers of this thread are interested in the C-level players, let me know and I will post more of them. I think that could be valuable since most players are rarely mentioned in my posts during their career.

As I said, several players retired this year. The Cardinals, in particular, lost the most members of their franchise. Luckily, their primes had passed and St. Louis had some interesting young players waiting in the wings.


Joe Blong, SP, Cardinals

Blong led the league in wins in 1879 and retired with nearly 200 victories. Finished in the top 4 in winning percentage four out of five seasons from 1878-1882. Led the league in walks twice and wild pitches 7 times. Also led in quality starts in 1876.




Mike Dorgan, RF, Cardinals

Winner of two Gold Gloves.




Jack Glasscock, SS, Pirates

Won 6 Gold Gloves. Won the 1882 batting crown.




Charley Jones, LF, Reds

First player to reach 400 HR. Won 2 Gold Gloves. Finished in the top 4 in doubles 5 times in 6 seasons from 1879 to 1884. Led the league in doubles in 1884. Led the league in HR in 1883. Finished in the Top 10 in HR eleven times and RBI nine times.



Sam Weaver, SP, Cardinals

Led the league with 20 wins in inaugural 1876 season. Finished in the top 10 in wins 8 times over 9 seasons from 1876-1884.

[darnoff]

1890 Rookies

Jesse Burkett, LF, Age 21, Giants

Just when you thought the Giants couldn't possibly find another top-notch batting talent for a corner position, they go out and find Burkett. Burkett will take the left field job from Tip O'Neill (.243, 13 HR, 59 RBI), who moves into a reserve role. In any other lineup, we would likely hit third, but he will also take over the role of leadoff hitter in this stacked lineup. Now, if the Giants could just find pitching help....




George Davis, SS, Age 19, Cardinals

Davis takes over for the platoon of Ed Swartwood (.216, 11 HR, 31 RBI in 357 AB) and George Tebeau (.241, 12 HR, 52 RBI in 406 AB) in centerfield. There is a possibility of him moving to his primary shortstop position down the line, if necessary. He immediately steps into the cleanup role in this weak lineup.




Bill Joyce, 3B, Age 22, Dodgers

The Dodgers already have a star at third base in Denny Lyons (.285, 22 HR, 95 RBI). Despite his power, first baseman Billy O'Brien (.262, 36 HR, 107 RBI) may lose playing time at first to accommodate Joyce - a superior defensive ballplayer who projects to have a much higher average and similar power. O'Brien may play primarily against left-handed pitchers.




Kid Nichols, SP, Age 20, Braves

The Braves are in desperate need of talented young players, and they don't get any more talented than HOF'er Nichols. He will jump right into the #1 slot in Atlanta's rotation.



Jake Stenzel, CF, Age 22, Cubs

Similar to the Giants' glut of corner fielders, the Cubs have such a glut of top-tier talent in the outfield, that George Van Haltren (.332, 18 HR, 66 RBI, 104 R) has been forced to play shortstop the past two seasons, despite his lack of experience there. Now they add Stenzel to the mix. He will take over in centerfield, moving Hugh Duffy (.323, 22 HR, 100 RBI, 109 R) to left field and forcing Marty Sullivan (.236, 26 HR, 97 RBI) to the bench.




Cy Young, SP, Age 22, Cardinals

Young is easily the most talented and most recognizable player to join MLHR up to this point. The HOF'er and all-time wins leader joins last season's rookie and fellow HOF'er Amos Rusie atop the new Cardinals rotation. It's hard to say how much success Young will experience until the Cards develop a better offense behind him. In every replay I've run before, Young has always underperformed, so I look forward to a much more exciting ride this time around.

[darnoff]

1890 Preseason Predictions

Despite last season's results, the Phillies are still the team to beat. They have the talent to win the pennant for several years, if they perform up to expectations. RoY Sadie McMahon made a big impact on the Dodgers rotation last season. His presence elevated a weak rotation, and that rotation is what will likely give L.A. the edge as Philly's top rival this season. With the addition of Jake Stenzel further strengthening the Cubs offense, Chicago should be right on the Dodgers and Phillies heels all season.

The Pirates lead the second tier of teams. If their pitching staff improves on last season's performance, they may find themselves in the heat of the pennant race. The Reds and Giants are right behind. I refuse to sing Cincinnati's praises after being let down yet again last year, but they are a talented club that no one wants to play. The Giants may have the best offense around. If their pitching staff can find the fountain of youth, they may be more competitive than expected, but that is unlikely.

The Braves and Cardinals may be the least talented teams right now, but a lot of eyes will be on those teams after they added HOF pitchers Kid Nichols and Cy Young respectively.




MLB results for 1890

Champs: Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers), (86-43, .667)

Batting Title: Jack Glasscock, NYG, .336
OPS+: Mike Tiernan, NYG, 160
AB/HR: Oyster Burns, BRO, 36.3
RBI: Oyster Burns, BRO, 128
Runs: Mike Tiernan, NYG, 104
SB: Billy Hamilton, PHI, 102

ERA+: Billy Rhines, CIN, 186 (rookie season!)
Win%: Tom Lovett, BRO, .732
WHIP: Billy Rhines, CIN, 1.121 (rookie season!)
K/9: Amos Rusie, NYG, 5.594


Milestone Watch

2500 hits
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 37, 2440 hits

400 HR
Roger Connor, SFG, 388 HR
John O'Rourke, ATL, 373 HR

1500 Runs
Ross Barnes, CHN, Age 38, 1462 R
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 37, 1433 R

1000 Walks
Bill Crowley, PIT, Age 32, 973 BB
Jim O'Rourke, ATL, Age 38, 920 BB
Hardy Richardson, STL, Age 35, 902 BB

700 SB
Monte Ward, LAD, Age 31, 684 SB

250 Wins
Al Spalding, CHN, Age 38, 235 Wins

200 wins
Terry Larkin, SFG, Age 33, 196 Wins
Candy Cummings, LAD, Age 38, 192 Wins
Fred Goldsmith, SFG, Age 37, 190 Wins
Pud Galvin, STL, Age 33, 185 Wins

3000 strikeouts
Terry Larkin, SFG, Age 33, 2974 K's

[darnoff]

Mid-Season Report

Five teams are within 5.5 games of first at the halfway point of the season. The Dodgers currently sit in first thanks to their #1 ranked offense, led by 3B Denny Lyons (.318, 24 HR, 68 RBI) and RF Oyster Burns (.326, 12 HR, 51 RBI). Their pitching staff continues to surprise many with the 3rd fewest runs allowed. They have the 2nd best bullpen ERA as well. The pen is once again led by John Cattanach (2-4, 15 Sv, 2.77 ERA).

The Phillies are right on their heels. Their pitching staff is 2nd best in runs allowed and has the best ERA from any starting rotation in the league. However, their bullpen is once again a problem, ranked 6th in ERA. Closer Hardie Hernderson (3-6, 10 Sv, 5.19 ERA) has once again struggled and may be replaced.

Despite my refusal to discuss Cincinnati's potential once again this preseason (or perhaps because of it), the Reds sit just four games off the lead. They were actually in first place briefly in early May. Their pitching staff has struggled somewhat, but their offense is ranked #2 in runs scored and #1 in home runs. Six of their everyday players have already hit 10 or more homers, led by RF Sam Thompson's 19. Then you have the Cubs, who have scored just the 4th most runs and whose pitching staff is ranked last in the league. But they have found a way to win games. Al Spalding is finally showing his age. The 38-year-old is just 2-7 with a 6.34 ERA. The Cubs' pitching must improve though if they expect to truly compete in the second half.

Pittsburgh rounds out the top five teams. Their offense has scuffled this season, but their pitching staff is ranked #1 and is keeping them in games. Will Sawyer (2-1, 18 Sv, 2.08 ERA) continues to be a solid closer and 34-year-old starter Jim McCormick, the 1883 PoY, has mounted a comeback after three straight seasons in the bullpen. He returned to the rotation as the #5 starter and is 5-6 with a 3.34 ERA so far this season.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[darnoff]

Season Wrap-up

As summer wore on, the Dodgers and Phillies separated themselves from the pack. At one point in August, the Dodgers held a 7-game lead on the Phillies before stumbling through a 5-game losing streak. With two weeks left in the season, the Phillies won 3-of-4 head-to-head matchups in Los Angeles to tie them with the Dodgers in first place. However, the Phillies somehow traveled home only to be swept in three games by Atlanta, and they never fully recovered. On October 3rd, the Dodgers won the opener of their final series, played at home against the Cubs, by a wild score of 10-8. That victory claimed the team's second straight pennant and their 3rd pennant in five seasons.

Dodgers third baseman Denny Lyons led the league at the halfway point in the season with an impressive 24 home runs. However, he only managed to hit 10 more in the second half and finished second to Cincinnati's Sam Thompson, who hit 37. The Dodgers did have four players with 20+ home runs on the season. While their pitching staff struggled somewhat down the stretch, their bullpen did not. The relief corps finished with the best bullpen ERA in the league at 3.70.

After winning the 1888 pennant and being heralded as the next big dynasty, Philadelphia is very disappointed with the past two near-misses. Their pitching staff was #1 overall, and the bullpen improved once Hardie Henderson moved to a middle relief role and Charlie Hilsey (1-4, 18 Sv, 3.00 ERA) took over as closer. Ed Delahanty (.343, 23 HR, 120 RBI) has won the batting title in each of his three seasons.

All-time wins leader Al Spalding of the Cubs had a rough season, going 8-12 with a 5.05 ERA as the #5 starter for Chicago. He turned 39 in September and many wonder if this was his final season. On the other side of the spectrum, Cardinals rookie Cy Young finished the season with a respectable 3.79 ERA but managed just 9 wins due to the Cardinals last ranked offense. St. Louis has three MLB HOF'ers in their rotation and yet they had four of the six highest loss totals in the league.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[darnoff]

Season Awards


Big Ed Delahanty has begun his career in the same way that fellow slugger Dan Brouthers did - he has won the BoY Award in each of his first three seasons. Teammate Charlie Ferguson won his second PoY. Meanwhile, little-known rookie closer Jack Sharrott won the Fireman's Award and finished third in RoY voting. As for the Gold Gloves, veterans Ross Barnes, age 39, and Ned Williamson, age 34, defied the hands of time and won the award. For Barnes, it was his first in 11 seasons!

Batter of the Year




Pitcher of the Year




Rookie of the Year




Fireman Award




Gold Gloves
P - Sadie McMahon, LAD
C - Deacon McGuire, CIN
1B - Tommy Tucker, ATL
2B - Ross Barnes, CHN (4th overall, first since 1879!)
3B - Ned Williamson, PIT (4th overall)
SS - Herman Long, ATL
LF - Walt Wilmot, LAD (2nd consecutive)
CF - Billy Hamilton, PHI (3rd consecutive)
RF - Sam Thompson, CIN (3rd overall)

[darnoff]

1891 Key Retirees - Hitters

Due to the number of key retirees this offseason, I have decided to split them into two posts. Here are the retiring hitters who made an impact on MLHR.


Bill Crowley, RF, Pirates

All-time leader in walks. 1883 Gold Glove winner.




Buttercup Dickerson, CF, Reds

Two-time Gold Glove winner. Top 5 in triples five times.




Levi Meyerle, 3B, Phillies

Top 8 in hits six times. Led league in doubles four times, and finished in the Top 6 twelve times. Only player other than Ross Barnes with over 500 doubles, and they both have over 600. Top 8 in batting average four times.




Jim O'Rourke, LF, Braves

One of the first sluggers in MLHR history. Two time Gold Glover. Top 10 in total bases seven times. Led league in triples twice, finished in the Top 10 eight times. Led league with 43 home runs in 1878, finished in the Top 10 nine times. Top 8 in stolen bases five times. Top 7 in RBI eight times. Led league with 118 runs in 1878 and finished in the Top 10 six times. Top 10 in walks six times. Top 10 in extra base hits eight times. Top 10 in batting average three times and OBP five times. Top 10 in slugging and OPS six times.




Lip Pike, RF, Cardinals

Top 10 in hits six times. Top 10 in doubles nine times. Led league in triples three times and finished in the Top 10 seven times. Top 10 in home runs three times and stolen bases four times. Top 10 in RBI twice and runs four times. Top 10 in batting average, slugging and OPS four times.




Harry Stovey, RF, Phillies

Set still-standing league record with 58 home runs in 1881. Two time Gold Glove winner. Led league with 169 K's in 1880. Top 10 in triples five times. Top 10 in stolen bases seven times. Top 10 in RBI three times and runs twice.

[darnoff]

1891 Key Retirees - Pitchers

George Bradley, Cardinals

Top 10 in wins four times and winning percentage three times. Led league in holds in 1886, but also led in homers allowed twice. Led league with 239 K's in 1877 and in the Top 10 eight times. Top 10 in ERA twice and WHIP four times. Top 10 in complete games four times.




Candy Cummings, Dodgers

Inventor of the curveball. Finished second in the PoY voting in both 1879 and 1886. Also fell just short of 200 wins. Led league in wins twice and finished in the Top 10 six times. Led league in winning percentage in 1886 and finished Top 7 four times. Led league in innings twice and finished Top 8 seven times. Led league in home runs allowed in 1884. Finished 9th in K's three times. Top 4 in ERA five times. Top 10 in WHIP and K/BB six times. Top 10 in BB/9 nine times. Top 10 in quality starts, shutouts and complete games seven times each.




Jim Devlin, Pirates

Two time Pitcher of the Year. Second pitcher to reach 200 wins. One Gold Glove. Led league in wins in 1877 and 1885 and finished Top 7 nine times. Top 10 in winning percentage six times. Led league in innings three times and Top 10 nine times. Top 10 in K's three times. Led league in ERA in 1884 and 1885 and finished Top 10 ten times. Led league in WHIP in 1884 and finished Top 10 eleven times. Led league in fewest HR allowed in 1877 and 1881 and finished Top 10 ten times. Top 10 in BB/9 five times. Led league in quality starts five times and finished Top 10 nine times. Led league in complete game three times and finished Top 10 eight times. Led league in shutouts four times and finished Top 10 nine times.




Bill McGunnigle, Cardinals

All-time saves leader with 339 and only pitcher with over 300 saves. Career leader in OAVG and OSLG. Three time Fireman Award winner. Led league in saves three times and finished Top 10 eleven times.




Laurie Reis, Cubs

1877 Rookie of the Year. Top 10 in wins three times and winning percentage five times. Led league with 18 losses in 1883. Top 3 in ERA once - 1877. Top 10 in fewest HR/9 four times. Top 10 in quality starts three times and shutouts four times.




Al Spalding, Cubs

Won four consecutive Pitcher of the Year Awards from 1877-1880. Holds single season record with 24 wins in 1880, 16 complete games in 1879, 9 shutouts in 1879. Also holds single season records for BB/9, WHIP and pitcher VORP, among others. Holds career record for wins, complete games, shutouts and WHIP. Led league in wins three times and finished Top 10 nine times. Led league in winning percentage four times and Top 10 ten times. Led league in innings three times and Top 10 nine times. Led league in ERA four times and Top 10 nine times. Led league in WHIP for six straight seasons from inaugural 1876 season through 1881. Finished Top 10 nine times. Led league in K/BB and HR/9 twice and BB/9 three times. Led league in quality starts twice, complete games three times and shutouts four times.

[darnoff]

1891 Rookies

Bill Dahlen, SS, Age 20, Cubs

Dahlen finally gives the Cubs a bonafide shortstop. Despite his excellent bat, George Van Haltren proved to be an awful defensive shortstop the past three seasons. His bat is valuable, so he will find playing time in all three outfield spots as well as occasional play at shortstop, but Dahlen will man the shortstop position on a regular basis.




Clark Griffith, SP, Age 21, Cubs

With the retirement of all-time wins leader Al Spalding, Griffith gives the Cubs rotation depth. He will be #2 in the rotation behind Jocko Flynn (17-11, 3.02 ERA).




Hughie Jennings, SS, Age 21, Dodgers

Jennings will likely take over the shortstop position from all-time stolen base leader Monte Ward (.254, 64 R, 27 SB, .314 OBP). Despite his speed and ability to put the ball in play, he will likely hit only 7th in the lineup due to his average judgment of the strikezone. He will provide superior defense though.




Joe Kelley, LF, Age 19, Braves

Kelley's presence is quite welcome in Atlanta where Jim O'Rourke retired, the only left fielder the franchise has ever known. Kelley is up to the challenge, and will add top notch defense and speed. However, the struggling franchise will expect him to hit 3rd in the lineup right out of the gates.




John McGraw, 3B, Age 17, Cardinals

The Cardinals continue to rebuild the once-proud franchise with HOF talent. McGraw, best known as the manager of the MLB New York Giants from 1902-1932, was also quite the talented hitter. Most of his playing career was with the now-defunct Baltimore Orioles franchise of the late 19th century, but he did play with the Cardinals in 1900 before eventually moving on to the Giants. In MLHR, he will initially fill the void at shortstop until a more sound defensive shortstop comes along. Although he may eventually end up hitting 3rd in the lineup, he begins the season batting 2nd. The team hopes he can get on base frequently in front of George Davis (.254, 10 HR, 36 RBI in 402 AB), Hardy Richardson (.234, 22 HR, 71 RBI) and "Dirty Jack" Doyle (.257, 13 HR, 62 RBI).

[darnoff]

1891 Preseason Predictions

The Cubs were disappointed with last season's 3rd place finish. After losing in a one-game playoff the year before (1889), the Cubs were expecting to take the pennant last year. Chicago is the only franchise with 4 pennants, but they feel like they are in a drought after not winning one the past three seasons. This offseason they made some key changes. Out is all-time wins leader Al Spalding and in is an intriguing control artist, Clark Griffith, to take his place. The team also upgraded their defense by adding shortstop Bill Dahlen.

The defending champion Dodgers have won three pennants in the past five seasons. Many expect them to win again this year, and the addition of slick hitting shortstop Hughie Jennings should help. Sadie McMahon (16-11, 3.68 ERA) leads a rotation that some believe overachieved last season. They will need to perform at a high level again this year to hold off challengers like Chicago.

The Phillies are still very much a threat. It surprises many, including myself, that they have not yet won their second pennant after winning their first in 1888. They have plenty of offense, but they have still not addressed their bullpen issues. Charlie Hilsey (1-4, 18 Sv, 3.00 ERA) took over the closer's role halfway through last season, and he begins the 1891 campaign in that role. A lot of the onus is on a starting rotation that is in its peak and should be more dominant that is has been recently. I expect them to come out strong this year.

The Pirates have a second tier rotation and a good bullpen, but their offense has been oddly underproductive the past few years. They have several high-average hitters who have underperformed recently, but there is scant power on the team which could be a problem. As for the Reds, they also have a second tier rotation that has the potential to surprise. Their bullpen has some talent but is also very inconsistent. The lineup is well-balanced and better than Pittsburgh's. Dare I say it, could this be the year Cincinnati finally runs with the big boys atop the division?





MLB results for 1891

Champs: Boston Beaneaters (Braves), (87-51, .630)

Batting Title: Billy Hamilton, PHI, .340
OPS+: Mike Tiernan, NYG, 163
AB/HR: Mike Tiernan, NYG, 33.9
RBI: Cap Anson, CHN, 120
Runs: Billy Hamilton, PHI, 141
SB: Billy Hamilton, PHI, 111

ERA+: Kid Nichols, BSN, 151
Win%: John Ewing, NYG, .724
WHIP: Harry Staley, PIT/BSN, 1.213
K/9: Amos Rusie, NYG, 6.062


Milestone Watch

3500 Hits
Ross Barnes, CHN, Age 39, 3306 hits

2500 Hits
Dan Brouthers, SFG, Age 33, 2307 hits

1500 Runs
Cap Anson, CHN, Age 38, 1476 R

1000 Walks (no player has yet reached this mark)
Hardy Richardson, STL, Age 36, 949 BB
Ned WIlliamson, PIT, Age 34, 946 BB
Dan Brouthers, SFG, Age 33, 925 BB

200 Wins
Fred Goldsmith, SFG, Age 38, 199 Wins
Pud Galvin, STL, Age 34, 186 Wins

4000 Strikeouts
Fred Goldsmith, SFG, Age 38, 3869 K's

3500 Strikeouts
Tommy Bond, LAD, Age 35, 3432 K's

600 Games pitched
The Only Nolan, PIT, Age 34, 589 games
Harry Salisbury, SFG, Age 36, 578 games

[darnoff]

Mid-Season Report

Despite the struggles of a few members of their lineup, the Dodgers still have scored the most runs in the league. They lead the second place Phillies and Reds by 1.5 games. Active wins leader Tommy Bond leads the LA rotation with a 3.13 ERA, although he's had some tough luck with just a 6-8 record. Closer John Cattanach is tied for the league lead with 18 saves. The addition of shortstop Hughie Jennings has helped the team to the best defensive efficiency rating in the league, as Jennings has not yet committed an error.

The Phillies have scored the second most runs but their bullpen and defense, both ranked 6th in the league, are their biggest stumbling blocks. Closer Charlie Hilsey is 4-4 with 17 saves and a 4.91 ERA. Three-time BoY Ed Delahanty is hitting just .257, but he leads the teams with 11 HR and 62 RBI. Billy Hamilton is hitting .324 with 53 runs and 29 steals.

The Reds are having one of their best seasons. Their offense is ranked 3rd behind LA and Philly, but their pitching staff is ranked 6th and their defense 7th. Sophomore Billy Rhines leads the rotation with a 8-5 record and rotation-best 3.25 ERA. Rookie Lee Viau is doing well in the closer's role, going 4-5 with 13 saves and a 3.38 ERA.

The Cardinals have made some major improvements so far this season. They're 4th in offense, almost entirely thanks to second baseman Hardy Richardson, who is hitting .243 with a league high 22 HR and 66 RBI. Rookie John McGraw leads the team with a .309 average. While the rotation is surprisingly ranked last in the league, Cy Young (10-5, 2.79 ERA) and Amos Rusie (6-4, 3.07 ERA) are doing their part.

As for Chicago, they have had a disappointing first half. Their pitching staff is ranked 5th and their offense 6th. Their defense has improved with rookie Bill Dahlen at shortstop, as he has been error free thus far. Veterans Ross Barnes (.245, 18 RBI) and Cap Anson (.201, 6 HR, 24 RBI) have struggled.


Standings




Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[darnoff]

Season Wrap-up

As the season wore on, it became clear that this would be a 3-team race. The Dodgers began the month of August 9-12 before going on a 7-game winning streak. Then they went 14-11 in September going into the final week of the season. At the same time, the Phillies climbed the standings by going 19-7 in August and 18-8 over the first four weeks of September and trailed the Dodgers by just one game going into the final week. Cincinnati went 16-13 in August and 12-11 over the first four weeks of September and found themselves three games out with six games to play.

On the 28th of September, Philadelphia hosted a three game set against those first place Dodgers. The Phillies won Game 1 by a 9-7 score, and the Dodgers evened the series with a 3-2 win the next day. Then the Phillies took the final game by a 6-5 score thanks to a 6-run 6th inning. That win gave Philadelphia a first place tie with just three games left. Meanwhile, the Reds won the first two games on their 3-game set in Chicago by a combined 16-4 score, but a 8-7 loss in Game 3 prevented the Reds from gaining any more ground on LA. But they did improve to 2 games back with three to play.

Over the final three games, the Dodgers won 2-of-3 in Pittsburgh while the Phillies took 2-of-3 at home against the Giants and the Reds swept the Cardinals. That meant that for the second time in three seasons, the Dodgers would participate in a one-game playoff for the pennant. Two seasons ago, the Dodgers beat the Cubs in LA in the 163rd game. As for Cincinnati, this was the best season in franchise history, but the team fell one game short.

This season the one-game playoff would be hosted by Philadelphia and the Phillies took a 1-0 lead in the first inning off a sac fly from first baseman Henry Larkin. Both teams scored 2 runs in the 4th, but then the Phillies got three 2-out hits off Dodgers starter Adonis Terry in the 6th to take a 6-2 lead. Not to be outdone, the Dodgers responded with 3 runs of their own in the 7th. In the bottom of the 7th with the score now 6-5 in their favor, Philadelphia leftfielder Eddie Burke scored on a wild throw during a successful steal attempt at third base. Piggy Ward advanced to third on the play and then scored on a wild pitch from reliever Sam Kimber. Those two runs gave Philly a 8-5 lead going into the 8th. Neither team scored in that inning, and Cannonball Titcomb, who took over the closer's role halfway through the season, entered the game in the top of the 9th. He gave up a leadoff single to Dummy Hoy then struckout Hub Collins. On a 1-1 count, centerfielder Mike Griffin lined a ball right at Phillies first baseman Larkin who caught the liner and then tagged the bag for a season-ending, pennant-winning double play.


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 - Charlie Ferguson, PHI
C - Jack Clements, PHI (2nd overall)
1B - Henry Larkin, PHI (5th overall)
2B - Cupid Childs, PHI
3B - Lave Cross, PHI
SS - Hughie Jennings, LAD (rookie!)
LF - Hugh Duffy, CHN
CF - Bug Holliday, CIN
RF - Sam Thompson, CIN (4th overall)

[darnoff]

1892 Key Retirees - Hitters


Cap Anson, 1B, Cubs

1876 and 1877 BoY. Four Gold Gloves. All-time leader in RBI with 1655, and the only player currently over 1400. Finished Top 10 in hits eight times and Top 5 six times. Top 10 in total bases nine times and finished 1st or 2nd six of those times. Led league in triples and home runs twice. Top 10 in HR nine times. Led league in RBI five times and finished Top 10 eleven times. Led league in runs scored three times and Top 10 nine times. Top 5 in batting average five times. Top 10 in OBP seven times. Led league in SLG in 1877 and finished Top 5 eight times.




George Hall, LF, Phillies

Led league in hits in 1884 and finished Top 10 nine times. Currently #2 all time in hits. Top 10 in doubles five times. Top 10 in RBI three times. Won 1883 batting title and finished Top 5 seven times. Top 10 in OPS five times. Won one Gold Glove.




John O'Rourke, CF, Braves

Five time Gold Glove winner. Top 10 in HR in each of his first twelve seasons. Led league with 48 home runs in 1879 rookie season. Top 10 in hits four times. Led league in strikeouts 4 times, including MLHR record 201 in 1887. All-time leader with 2222 strikeouts. Top 10 in total bases seven times. Led league with 9 triples in 1885. Top 10 in RBI eight times. Top 6 in runs scored five times. Top 10 in batting average four times. Top 10 in slugging eight times, and OPS six times.




Ned Williamson, 3B, Pirates

Four time Gold Glove winner. Led league in strikeouts as a rookie in 1878. Top 10 in triples four times and home runs twice. Top 10 in walks seven times.