Time Warp Baseball

[jdw]

Quick note on some missing data. The following positions didn't have winners in 1918: 2B NL, SS NL, LF AL and CF AL. The archive copy of 1918 also is missing the data as well. If the winners are truly missing, here are some very quick thoughts:

2B NL

Woodson won every Gold Glove from 1909-1920. 1920 was his last active year. There seems little doubt he would have won it in 1918 to the point that I haven't bothered to look at the 2B's data.

SS NL

Palmer Starrett won the award in 1914, 1915 and 1919. Whitey Kohse won it in 1917, 1922, 1927 and 1929. Starrett missed the season with injury. Only five NL SS played 950+ innings that season. Don Shaulis of the Phils led the NL with a range factor of 5.86, with no one else above 5.08. He turned 19 more DP than any other NL SS and had nearly 100 more assists. He had the second best fielding percentage as well. Shaulis never won a Gold Glove in his career, and I've not taken the time to look up his career path. He seems deserving of the award here.

LF AL

Pat Folyard won the award in 1914, and every year between 1916 to 1920 with the exception of the missing year. However, he only played 89 of the Senators' 126 games. Still, just comparing his range to Will Miller who would bag the award in 1923 and 1924, Folyard's is much higher. Seems like Folyard was locked into the award at the time.

CF AL

Christian Young of WSH had the best range in 1918 and would win the award in 1919. I would guess that he would win it this year.

Other people should take a look and give some input before Matt simply takes my word and edits them into the awards. The 1918 Almanas is here:

http://www.sportplanet.com/sbb/iba/a...alm/index.html


John

[Matt from TN]

Originally Posted by Matt from TN

Well, how's this?

1901 Almanac, 1902 Almanac, 1903 Almanac, 1904 Almanac, 1905 Almanac,
1906 Almanac, 1907 Almanac, 1908 Almanac, 1909 Almanac, 1910 Almanac,
1911 Almanac, 1912 Almanac, 1913 Almanac, 1914 Almanac, 1915 Almanac,
1916 Almanac, 1917 Almanac, 1918 Almanac, 1919 Almanac, 1920 Almanac,
1921 Almanac, 1922 Almanac, 1923 Almanac, 1924 Almanac, 1925 Almanac,
1926 Almanac, 1927 Almanac, 1928 Almanac, 1929 Almanac, 1930 Almanac,
1931 Almanac, 1932 Almanac, 1933 Almanac, 1934 Almanac, 1935 Almanac

I'm gonna take jdw's advice & create a almanac index page, but for now here's the links for the 1st 35 years... These will also eventually be moving to a new website which Mark gratiously donated!

[Matt from TN]

Originally Posted by tward13

Wondering about the war years. Yes players will leave. How about those who stay, and the replacements?

Will there be any adjustment of ratings to reflect the disparity in talent? You'll have some mid-30s who will hang around and maybe get a boost by playing less talented opponents. You'll get some prime ages players who should dominate because of the lessened competition. Then there will be those replacement players who certainly won't be up to the normal talent levels.

Why don't we use the go-live thread to discuss these kinds of issues. We can go in depth there.

[Matt from TN]

Originally Posted by jdw

Quick note on some missing data. The following positions didn't have winners in 1918: 2B NL, SS NL, LF AL and CF AL. The archive copy of 1918 also is missing the data as well.

I'll have to look further into this... Not sure right now if that's one of the league files I have or not... I don't think so... I've repeatedly kicked myself for not saving the early league files, because we'd have CatoBase if I had... arrrrggggg!!

[WillTheThrill]

Haha, I almost forgot about these forums, and I come back to see that Will Miller turned out to be one of the greatest players in the history of the league.

[metsgeek]

Originally Posted by WillTheThrill

Haha, I almost forgot about these forums, and I come back to see that Will Miller turned out to be one of the greatest players in the history of the league.

I think it's time to add his relatives to the signup thread

[Carlton]

Heck no.

Will Miller is the greatest player ever in TWB and I think a descendent would only kill the mystique

[metsgeek]

Originally Posted by Carlton

Heck no.

Will Miller is the greatest player ever in TWB and I think a descendent would only kill the mystique

Looks like I killed the mystique for the Kahles, Dittys, Nagels, Dunkels (and soon Puglieses among others....ad infinitum) a looooong time ago

[jdw]

WillTheThrill wrote:

> Haha, I almost forgot about these forums,
> and I come back to see that Will Miller turned
> out to be one of the greatest players in the
> history of the league.
>
>



Go back and read the stuff on his last two years. Matt and others had a lot of posts on the "Record Watch" as he chased 4000 hits, 2000 Runs and 900 SB. Some twists and turns in the chase, with it looking at times like the might not get there, and also at times that the Senators front office didn't have a clue what Will was trying to do. Will and the HOF seemed to be two of the prime subjects that started all the nifty historical discussions popping up now in the threads.


John

[jdw]

Here's a quick summary of the Gold Glove records through 1938. Where there is a "tie", I try to list them in the order of who did it first.


Most Gold Glove Awards - Total

12 - Maurice Woodson STL 2B (1909-1920)*

11 - Ray Brown PIT CF/LF (1910-17, 1920-21, 1924)

10 - Kevin Stines STL 2B (1922-26, 1928-29, 1931-33)

9 - Harry Cohan BSN/CHN C (1910-11, 1913, 1915-16, 1918-19, 1921, 1925)
9 - Harry Finley NYA C (1927-31, 1933-36)
9 - Ralph Tumbridge NYA 1B (1926, 1930-37)

8 - Genaro Nunez BOS 2B (1919-25, 1928)
8 - Willard Schwarz PHI C (1922-23, 1926-28, 1931-32, 1937)

7 - Jassen Nelson NYA P (1906, 1908-10, 1912-13, 1916)
7 - Terrey Christiansen STL 3B (1909, 1911-14, 1916, 1918)
7 - Lawrence Barry DET/CIN LF (1926-31, 1933)

6 - Jeff Baumschlager BKN 3B (1901-05, 1907)
6 - Ralph Nida SLA/NYA 3B (1903-05, 1907, 1909-10)
6 - Ryley Gerbeck CHA RF (1904-07, 1909-10)
6 - Travis Hunt PIT SS (1905-09, 1911)
6 - Scott Podlasek PIT RF (1908, 1910-14)
6 - Michael Borkholder PIT LF (1910-14, 1916)
6 - Patrick Seifried CLE/NYA 1B (1910-11, 1913, 1916-17, 1919)
6 - Pat Folyard WSH/DET LF (1914, 1916-20)
6 - Charles Hagaman DET 3B (1911-14, 1919, 1921)
6 - Tyrell Chestnut BOS RF (1927-31, 1936)

* this assumes Woodson would have won the "missing" 1918 award.


Most Gold Glove Awards - By Position

Pitcher
7 - Jassen Nelson NYA P (1906, 1908-10, 1912-13, 1916)
5 - Joe Taylor BKN/CHN P (1911, 1913-14, 1917, 1920)
5 - Babe Hardin CHA P (1927, 1929, 1931-32, 1937)

Catcher
9 - Harry Cohan BSN/CHN C (1910-11, 1913, 1915-16, 1918-19, 1921, 1925)
9 - Harry Finley NYA C (1927-31, 1933-36)
8 - Willard Schwarz PHI C (1922-23, 1926-28, 1931-32, 1937)
5 - Vern Adameitz PIT C (1929-30, 1933-35)

First Base
9 - Ralph Tumbridge NYA 1B (1926, 1930-37)
6 - Patrick Seifried CLE/NYA 1B (1910-11, 1913, 1916-17, 1919)
5 - Paul Gibson NYA/STL 1B (1915-17, 1919-20)
5 - Grover Warren BSN 1B (1931, 1933-34, 1936-37)

Second Base
12 - Maurice Woodson STL 2B (1909-1920)*
10 - Kevin Stines STL 2B (1922-26, 1928-29, 1931-33)
8 - Genaro Nunez BOS 2B (1919-25, 1928)

Third Base
7 - Terrey Christiansen STL 3B (1909, 1911-14, 1916, 1918)
6 - Jeff Baumschlager BKN 3B (1901-05, 1907)
6 - Ralph Nida SLA/NYA 3B (1903-05, 1907, 1909-10)
6 - Charles Hagaman DET 3B (1911-14, 1919, 1921)
5 - Calvin Paige BOS/NYA 3B (1916-18, 1920, 1922)
5 - Giuseppe Nonnewitz PHI/CHA 3B (1919, 1926, 1928-30)

Shortstop
6 - Travis Hunt PIT SS (1905-09, 1911)
5 - Jebediah Shaver NYA SS (1911, 1915-17, 1919)
5 - Jamie Kubic CHA SS (1931, 1934-35, 1937-38)

Leftfield
7 - Lawrence Barry DET/CIN LF (1926-31, 1933)
6 - Michael Borkholder PIT LF (1910-14, 1916)
6 - Pat Folyard WSH/DET LF (1914, 1916-20)
5 - Wayne Czeslawski PHA LF (1901, 1904-06, 1908)
5 - Charles Netzer CHN/CLE LF (1929-32, 1937)

Centerfield
10 - Ray Brown PIT CF (1910-17, 1920-21)
5 - Montey Lawley WSH CF (1902, 1904, 1910-11, 1917)
5 - Dave Arkless CHN CF (1927, 1929, 1932-33, 1937)

Rightfield
6 - Ryley Gerbeck CHA RF (1904-07, 1909-10)
6 - Scott Podlasek PIT RF (1908, 1910-14)
6 - Tyrell Chestnut BOS RF (1927-31, 1936)
5 - Hubey Herndon SLA RF (1915, 1920-23)
5 - Charlie Matthews BKN RF (1919, 1921, 1924-25, 1928)


Most Consecutive Most Gold Glove Awards

12 - Maurice Woodson STL 2B (1909-1920)*

8 - Ray Brown PIT CF (1910-17)
8 - Ralph Tumbridge NYA 1B (1930-37)

7 - Genaro Nunez BOS 2B (1919-25)

6 - Lawrence Barry DET/CIN LF (1926-31)

5 - Jeff Baumschlager BKN 3B (1901-05)
5 - Travis Hunt PIT SS (1905-09)
5 - Scott Podlasek PIT RF (1910-14)
5 - Michael Borkholder PIT LF (1910-14)
5 - Pat Folyard WSH/DET LF (1916-20)
5 - Kevin Stines STL 2B (1922-26)
5 - Harry Finley NYA C (1927-31)
5 - Tyrell Chestnut BOS RF (1927-31)

4 - Ryley Gerbeck CHA RF (1904-07)
4 - Justin Achman NYA 1B (1906-09)
4 - Terrey Christiansen STL 3B (1911-14)
4 - Charles Hagaman DET 3B (1911-14)
4 - Hubey Herndon SLA RF (1920-23)
4 - Charles Netzer CHN/CLE LF (1929-32)
4 - Jon Minzey WSH CF (1930-33)
4 - Harry Finley NYA C (1933-36)
4 - John Storback DET LF (1933-36)

Harry Finley is the only player to have two different streaks of four or more consecutive awards.


Most Gold Glove Awards At Two Positions

Chris Jennings - RF 1904-05 / LF 1908
Stirling LaFreniere - RF 1901 / C 1912
Ray Brown - CF 1910-17, 1920-21 / LF 1924
Tike Kaufman - 1B 1926-28, 1932 / 3B 1933
Hal Smith - CF 1934 / RF 1937-38

It would be interesting if the Giants moved Hal over to Leftfield to see if he could become the first to win the award at three different positions.

I'll send a copy of it to Matt, and perhaps he can put up on the website several summary data files that could be helpful to the owners in doing history sections.


John

[jdw]

One additional note:

Most Consecutive Most Gold Glove Awards

12 - Maurice Woodson STL 2B (1909-1920)*

8 - Ray Brown PIT CF (1910-17)
8 - Ralph Tumbridge NYA 1B (1930-37)

Tumbridge's streak came to an end this season when he lost his job to his longtime understudy, 33 year old Doc Reed. Dead-Eye Laverick, who had previously won the 1935 National League Gold Glove at 1B, won the award in his first full season in the AL.


John

[jdw]

One last note:

Most Gold Glove Awards - By Position

Second Base
12 - Maurice Woodson STL 2B (1909-1920)*
10 - Kevin Stines STL 2B (1922-26, 1928-29, 1931-33)

This is one of the more amazing things in TWB history:

1909 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1910 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1911 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1912 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1913 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1914 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1915 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1916 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1917 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1918 - Maurice Woodson (STL)*
1919 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1920 - Maurice Woodson (STL)
1921 - John Thiessen (BSN)
1922 - Kevin Stines (STL)
1923 - Kevin Stines (STL)
1924 - Kevin Stines (STL)
1925 - Kevin Stines (STL)
1926 - Kevin Stines (STL)
1927 - Jory Marine (BSN)
1928 - Kevin Stines (STL)
1929 - Kevin Stines (STL)
1930 - Jude McGill (BSN)
1931 - Kevin Stines (STL)
1932 - Kevin Stines (STL)
1933 - Kevin Stines (STL)

Cardinal second basemen won 22 of 25 Gold Glove Awards between 1909-1933. The three that they didn't win were won by three different Boston second basemen.

The last Gold Glove prior to Woodson was by Karl Flohr of... yes, the Boston Nationals.

There have been other teams that have dominated awards, such as the Tigers winning 15 of 21 Left Field Gold Gloves between 1916-36 when the position was manned by Pat Folyard, Lawrence Barry and John Storback. But the show Woody and Stines put on must have something amazing for Cardinal fans to watch.


John

[Matt from TN]

Key Retirees:

This offseason saw one of the most impressive group of retirees in history.


Scott Fenner, SP
Philadelphia Phillies, 1921-37, Detroit Tigers 1937-38



Fenner achored the famous Phillies' "Phantastic Phour" on their way to five World Series victories in six appearances. He was the 1922 ROY and went on the lead the NL in ERA three times and wins 4 times. He was traded to Detroit on July 27th, 1937 and won his 300th career game as a Tiger the following month. He retired with a 307-198 record (7th Most Wins All-Time), 3.50 ERA, 1361 walks, 1699 K's, 353 complete games and 49 shutouts (12th All-Time).

"Bull" Zegri, LF
Philadelphia Phillies, 1917-38



Bull was an exceptional hitter who led the A's to four pennants. He won two Gold Gloves and retired as the all-time major league leader in RBI. He finished his career with a .304 average, 2934 hits (15th All-Time), 657 doubles (3rd All-Time), 212 homeruns (14th All-Time), 1713 RBI (Most All-Time), 1503 runs scored (15th All-Time) and 1560 walks (2nd All-Time).


Other Notable Retirees:

Rod "Cowboy" Glass, 3B
Phillies, 1920-37
Tigers, 1937-38

.309, 2772 H, 479 2B, 101 HR, 1172 RBI, 1293 R
Glass was one of the key offensive members of the recent Phillies dynasty, winning five World Series in six appearances. He also won one Gold Glove. He retired 23rd all-time in hits and 16th in doubles.


Davie "Nightmare" Kendrick, SP
Athletics, 1921-28
Yankees, 1928-38
Phillies, 1938

250-212, 4.26 ERA, 1108 BB, 1485 K, 374 CG, 24 SHO
After posting 3 20-loss seasons with the A's, Kendrick was traded to the Yankees where he eventually turned his career around. He lost 22 games with New York in 1929 then won 26 games the next season, beginning a streak of 4-straight 20-win seasons. He was the 1930 POY, a 2-time all-star and part of 4 consecutive Yankees World Series championships.


Carey "Tipsy" Wright, SP
Phillies 1927-37
Athletics, 1937-38

151-117, 4.13 ERA, 1220 BB, 1036 K, 196 CG, 11 SHO
Tipsy was the 4th member of the famed "Phantastic Phour." He was part of four of the Phillies 5 World Series championships.


Clarence Bazart, SS
Phillies, 1918-24
Yankees, 1924-38

.317, 2430 H, 396 2B, 1027 RBI, 1193 R, 465 SB
Bazart was an integral part of the recent Yankees dynasty, winning 4 World Series and 2 Gold Gloves. He retired 21st all-time in stolen bases.


Ralph "Thunder" Tumbridge, 1B
Red Sox, 1923-24
Yankees, 1924-38

.274, 2086 H, 371 2B, 243 HR, 1409 RBI, 1095 R
He was involved in the last of the infamous Dead Sox trades that robbed Boston of much of their talent, selling them to the Yankees. Tumbridge was known primarily for his homerun power, but made a name for himself by winning 9 Gold Gloves. Eight of them were consecutive from 1930-37. He retired 7th all-time in homeruns and 14th all-time in RBI.


Lawrence Barry, LF
Tigers, 1921-32
Reds, 1932-38

.309, 2136 H, 259 2B, 100 HR, 838 RBI, 1099 R, 258 SB
Barry was a solid hitter, but he was most widely known for his defense. He won 7 Gold Gloves. Six of them came consecutively from 1926-31, but after changing leagues in 1932, he did not qualify for the award. He then won it again in 1933 in the NL. He was also part of Detroit's only World Series championship in 1928.


Kevin Stines, 2B
Reds, 1920-21
Cardinals, 1921-37
Pirates, 1937-38

.285, 2213 H, 467 2B, 983 RBI, 1191 R, 336 SB
Stines was yet another defensive wiz, who won 10 Gold Gloves. He won all but 2 NL GG's at second base from 1922, when he became a full-time player, to 1933.


Nick Graves, RF
Tigers, 1920-37
Cardinals, 1937

.312, 2356 H, 527 2B, 207 HR, 1408 RBI, 1208 R
Graves was a power-hitting outfielder who won the 1921 ROY Award, the 1928 World Series and two Gold Gloves. He retired 10th all-time in doubles, 16th all-time in homeruns and 15th all-time in RBI.

[Matt from TN]

Retiring Ancestors:

Ben "Rabbi" Baum, CF
Philadelphia Athletics, 1918-34
New York Giants, 1934-37
Philadelphia Phillies, 1937-38
Boston Bees, 1938



Baum was an exceptional player, who began his career as the 1918 ROY and went on to become one of the most dominant hitters in AL history. He won three straight BOY Awards from 1924-26. He led the A's to four AL pennants and won one Gold Glove. In 1935, he collected his 3000th hit and retired with a .337 average (17th All-Time), 3297 hits (4th All-Time), 439 doubles, 238 homeruns (8th All-Time), 1645 RBI (3rd All-Time), 1719 runs scored (3rd All-Time), 1015 walks and 192 steals.

[Matt from TN]

Francis "Flapjack" Gilmartin, CF, St. Louis Cardinals



Gilmartin is a gifted, all-around ballplayer. He hits for average and power, he has exceptional speed and can play incredible defense. He can play all three outfield positions and first base. The Cardinals have their future CF in Morton Chamblee and LF is spoken for with Ogden Wing. However, Gilmartin, who begins the season in AA, could soon be a starter in the major leagues at RF or 1B. He should become part of a very talented Cardinals offense that could one day wreak havoc on the NL.


Cort "Muscles" Nagel, SP, Boston Red Sox



Muscles, who features a knuckleball as his top pitch, is a quality pitcher with four deceiving pitches at his disposal. He has the ability to fool opposing batters, especially with his knuckler, and he should get many strikeouts in his career, while holding opponents to a low average. He is one of the few pitching prospects in the Red Sox organization, so the team hopes he can develop into the future anchor of their rotation. He begins this season at AA.


Hal Andrew, SP, Detroit Tigers



Andrew, the son of Indians infielder Duckie Andrew, is the latest attempt by the Tigers to build some pitching depth. Opposing hitters find it very tough to get hits or draw walks off Andrew. His one weakness has been high numbers of hit batters, due mostly to his philosophy of pitching tough hitters inside to back them off the plate. He will begin the season at AAA and could be on the fast track to the majors.


Jack "The Carpenter" Schoonover, SP, New York Giants



Schoonover is a very durable pitcher, completing almost every game he started as an amateur. Opposing hitters find his arsenal of pitches baffling, and he holds them to a low average. However, because batters find it so hard to hit Schoonover, they tend to take a lot of pitches and draw a fair number of walks. Jack begins the season at AA and is one of several talented young pitchers coming up through the Giants' farm system.

[metsgeek]

Originally Posted by Matt from TN

Cort "Muscles" Nagel, SP, Boston Red Sox



Muscles, who features a knuckleball as his top pitch, is a quality pitcher with four deceiving pitches at his disposal. He has the ability to fool opposing batters, especially with his knuckler, and he should get many strikeouts in his career, while holding opponents to a low average. He is one of the few pitching prospects in the Red Sox organization, so the team hopes he can develop into the future anchor of their rotation. He begins this season at AA.

AWESOME!!! Uncle Cort is on the Red Sox! He should be in his prime at 25 when I take over as GM!

[Matt from TN]

WEB PAGES UPDATED... INCLUDING PLAYER PAGES


1939 Season Preview

American League

The White Sox were the first AL team in 6 years to lose the World Series. They enter the season as favorites, but not by much. The Yankees and Senators are both talented enough to win the pennnant this season. After these three teams, the rest of the AL needs some work.


1. White Sox (92-62, 1st) - They finished last season very strong, and they certainly have enough talent to win another pennant. Ace "Stuffy" Zinn will miss April, so if the team plays well without him, they should be in great shape once he returns.

Top Starters:
SP Lewis Lamson (21-10, 3.36)
SP "Stuffy" Zinn (14-7, 3.16)

C Leonard "Sunny" Davie (.315, 21 HR, 82 RBI)
1B Louis Kirkes (.361, 63 RBI)
3B Rollie McCord (.298, 17 HR, 90 RBI)
SS Jamie Kubic (.329, 52 RBI, 21 SB)
LF Enos Fletcher (.353, 11 HR, 88 RBI)
CF David Oram (.339, 76 RBI)
RF John Shears (.294, 15 HR, 103 RBI, 40 SB)

Top Prospects:
SP Walt Gajan (Majors)


2. Yankees (88-66, 2nd) - After two straight disappointing 80+ win seasons, Yankee management is up in arms. Ervin Greiner, the longest tenured manager in the majors, has even had his job security questioned. The team has some great pitchers and a potent offense. They have been ordered to win now.

Top Starters:
SP Art Booth (24-8, 2.92)
SP Luke Riley (21-8, 3.09)
SP Hale Scheepers (10-11, 3.89)

1B Doc Reed (.337, 11 HR, 84 RBI)
SS Clarence Davis (.347, 72 RBI, 21 SB)
LF Allen March (.305, 25 HR, 83 RBI, 20 SB)
CF Jimmy "The Schnozz" Ditty (.323, 34 HR, 118 RBI)
RF "Moonlight" Graham (.318, 13 HR, 88 RBI, 39 SB)

Top Prospects:
SP Mel Serrano (AA)
SP Chuck Williams (AA)


3. Senators (79-75, 4th) - Last season was a disaster as Washington failed to defend their World Series title. They came on strong late in the season, and they hope to carry that momentum over to this season. They have perhaps the best pitching staff in the league.

Top Starters:
SP Chris Frays (17-11, 4.11)
SP Micky Guyton (10-16, 4.45)
SP Jethro "Dodge" Lee (21-15, 3.09)
SP Claude Swin (18-18, 4.24)

3B Carl "Dutch" Kahle (.283, 20 HR, 82 RBI)
SS Blake "Hitman" Crocitto (.372, 14 HR, 88 RBI)
LF Wolter Tjeenk-Willink (.340, 19 HR, 84 RBI)

Top Prospects:
SP Gordie Crum (Majors)
3B "Jungle Jim" Dunkel (AAA)
SP Johnny Gordley (AA)
SP Van Melbourn (A)


4. Indians (70-84, 6th) - This is still a talented team, but will they ever put it all together? Losing 84 games last season was a big disappointment.

Top Starters:
SP George "The Joker" Bowers (11-14, 3.73)

2B F.X. Ditty (.347, 65 RBI)
RF Bill Berry (.318, 16 HR, 87 RBI)

Top Prospects:
SP Marty Davie (AA)
1B Lonny Arrendale (A)


5. Athletics (75-79, 5th) - As their greatest players continue to retire, depth is becoming a greater issue. They are still a solid team, but they don't have enough to be a pennant contender.

Top Starters:
CF "Mule" Beney (.347, 71 RBI)
RF Art Brandstetter (.276, 57 RBI, 59 SB)

Top Prospects:
1B Em Pelto (Majors)
CF "Peaches" Badeau (Majors)


6. Browns (86-68, 3rd) - St. Louis had a great run last season and came close to their first pennant since 1922. However, their pitching staff never lived up to their lofty expectations, and now their top offensive performers are getting up in age. With no success to speak of, this team could soon be going through another rebuilding phase.

Top Starters:
SP George Cone (25-12, 3.71)
SP Gerald Saxton (13-10, 3.89)

2B Jude McGill (.330, 73 RBI)
3B Steven "Babylon" Bussell (.296, 12 HR, 81 RBI)
SS Ted Stuart (.308, 57 RBI)

Top Prospects:
SP "Cotton" Simson (Majors)
LF Cy Helbig (Majors)
CF Otto Wisley (A)


7. Red Sox (63-91, T-7th) - Last season was another disappointing one and the team hired a new manager. The pitching staff is still a mess, but at least now there appears to be some help on the way. The offense could be turning a corner and may be able to lead this team out of the cellar, where they have spent the past 4 years.

Top Starters:
SP Mitchell Haynam (19-15, 3.54)

1B Jessie "Bing" Holt (.339, 17 HR, 87 RBI)
2B Pokey Dorsey (.311, 42 RBI)
SS Ricardo Bowden (.303, 70 RBI, 36 SB)
LF Al Arsenault (.290, 27 HR, 104 RBI)
CF Howard Sheridan (.296, 36 HR, 110 RBI)

Top Prospects:
C Cecil Marziani (Majors)
CF "Hackin' Jack" Zenisek (Majors)
RF Ben Hargey (Majors)
SP James Basford (AA)
SP Cort "Muscles" Nagel (AA)
C Chuck Rauch (A)
SS Nicky Barker (A)
CF Bart Batch (A)


8. Tigers (63-91, T-7th) - Detroit was never able to build a respectable pitching staff, although it is currently better than in years past. However, most of their offensive stars are on the verge of retirement, and it looks like what was once the greatest offense in the league will have been squandered.

Top Starters:
1B Quenton Misisca (.320, 26 HR, 105 RBI)
SS Adolf Greisbach (.338, 80 RBI)
LF John Storback (.315, 18 HR, 80 RBI)

Top Prospects:
1B Denny Caneer (Majors)
SP Hal Andrew (AAA)
SP John Skoropat (AAA)
3B Clinton Darling (AAA)

[m0ng00se]

Originally Posted by Matt from TN

Hal Andrew, SP, Detroit Tigers



Andrew, the son of Indians infielder Duckie Andrew, is the latest attempt by the Tigers to build some pitching depth. Opposing hitters find it very tough to get hits or draw walks off Andrew. His one weakness has been high numbers of hit batters, due mostly to his philosophy of pitching tough hitters inside to back them off the plate. He will begin the season at AAA and could be on the fast track to the majors.

Pitching and defense are very important to me as a manager, so I'm glad to see Detroit grabbing some young pitching talent before I take over.

I'd like to see Andrew improve his velocity and consistancy. But he looks like he has some potential for sure.

[m0ng00se]

Looks like grand-unc Willie Young has finally started a season on the Pirates active roster. Hopefully his days of yo-yo-ing between the bigs and AAA are done for a while. He looks like he'll be stuck on the bench unless there's a rash of injuries.

I still can't believe that rating of 3 in Eye/Discipline. Yet another year has gone by and still no improvement. Eye is supposed to be his biggest Talent potential rating. I thought for sure that Willie would leap frog Vic Ullom for that 1b position as his potential seemed brighter than Vics when he Willie was drafted. But Vic has improved and earned his starting spot while Willie has been stuck in neutral for 5 years.

I do forget at times that he is still young. Only 22. Will he ever live up to his #1 pick status? Will Willie wake up and have a break out year? He's due for sure.

Go Willie go.

[Matt from TN]

National League

The Braves surprised a lot of people with how competitive they were for most of last season. Chicago's pitching dominance was too much for anyone as they easily won their third straight pennant and captured their first World Series title since 1917. This season they are still the favorite, but as always, Brooklyn looks to close the gap. It could be the Dodgers best chance to unseat the Cubs.


1. Cubs (101-53, 1st) - Chicago won 101 games and dominated the World Series against the cross-town rival White Sox. This validated their status as one of the great teams of the 30's after winning three straight pennants but capturing just their first World Series title in those three attempts. Their pitching staff is still incredible and sets them apart from all other teams.

Top Starters:
SP "Punchy" Cote (26-11, 2.89)
SP David Wickersham (21-14, 4.06)
SP Alex Winterhalter (26-8, 3.28)
SP John "Bucky" Smith (9-6, 3.65)

1B Dan Troge (.315, 20 HR, 104 RBI)
LF Dewey Mickelsen (.317, 19 HR, 99 RBI)
CF Dave "Red Fox" Arkless (.286, 33 HR, 93 RBI)

Top Prospects:
NONE


2. Dodgers (92-62, 2nd) - Once again the bridesmaid, Brooklyn increased their wins yet finished 2nd in the league for a 3rd straight season. This is two years in a row with 90 wins and no pennant to show for it. After looking like they could dominate the NL with back-to-back pennants in 1934-35, the Dodgers have been repeatedly trumped by the Cubs. Brooklyn once again enters the season as an underdog, but their pitching is improving and could provide the boost they need to overtake Chicago.

Top Starters:
SP Edwin Impens (21-10, 4.16)
SP Remmy Paul (23-14, 4.22)
SP Frank Smith (25-9, 2.50)

2B Brad Coffenberger (.315, 78 RBI)
SS Jonny "Speedy" Perly (.307, 15 HR, 72 RBI, 76 SB)
LF Oscar "The Kid" Vancini (.313, 53 HR, 130 RBI)
CF Jon Minzey (.331, 66 RBI)
RF Jonathan Wright (.345, 87 RBI)

Top Prospects:
SP James Bajofer (A)
C Leroy Daurio (A)
1B Dennis Kitterman (A)
3B Paul Varghese (A)


3. Bees (89-65, 3rd) - Boston had a great season and gave the Cubs a run for their money before collapsing in September. They still have a solid nucleus of talent, and they are the only team outside of Chicago and Brooklyn with a legitimate shot at the pennant this season.

Top Starters:
SP Bourbon Allen (21-9, 3.20)
SP Otto "Kaiser" Kahle (19-13, 3.88)

C Dud Dietzsch (.291, 77 RBI)
2B David "Harlequin" Hunter (.283, 68 RBI, 46 SB)

Top Prospects:
SP Scottie Allen (Majors)
SP Guy Muir (Majors)
SP Roy Wolfe (A)
2B Bonnard Shadle (A)
LF Joe Bearden (A)


4. Pirates (80-74, 4th) - Lost in the great 3-team pennant race last season was a respectable season by Pittsburgh. Their offense is becoming one of the better ones out there, and their pitching is slowly coming together. They could be a surprising team this year and make the pennant race even more interesting.

Top Starters:
SP Bill "Tex" Blakemore (18-13, 3.15)
SP William O'Neill (19-14, 3.84)

C Reggie Woodson (.313, 83 RBI)
2B Joe Berarducci (.291, 67 RBI)
SS Elmer "The Jeweler" Menard (.317, 66 RBI)
CF Bud Breckenridge (.325, 19 HR, 89 RBI, 57 SB)
RF Rudy Young (.327, 11 HR, 85 RBI)

Top Prospects:
SP Marvin Herpel (Majors)
SP Orval Keefover, Jr. (Majors)
SS William Young (Majors)
2B Cutter Brekke (A)


5. Cardinals (62-92, 7th) - Their pitching staff still needs some work, but with the bulk of talent on this team, they are bound to improve on their 92-loss season of a year ago.

Top Starters:
2B Andre Farago (.355, 74 RBI)
SS Rob "Pretty Boy" Forrestal (.334, 68 RBI)

Top Prospects:
SP Scott Solderits (Majors)
3B Genarito Nunez (Majors)
LF Ogden Wing (Majors)
CF Morton Chamblee (Majors)
2B Skeeter Schaldemose (AAA)
CF Francis "Flapjack" Gilmartin (AA)


6. Reds (68-85, 5th) - The Reds have done a phantastic job rebuilding their farm system. They have been a competitive team recently, and thanks to several key players, they will remain one. However, they do not yet have enough to be a pennant threat.

Top Starters:
SP Brett Smith (21-11, 2.85)

C Benny Eremitani (.311, 50 RBI)
1B Hank Faver (.309, 17 HR, 93 RBI)
2B Pee Wee Osborne (.317, 89 RBI)

Top Prospects:
LF Mitch Leibowitz (Majors)
CF Artie Albrecht (Majors)
SP Terry Lucewicz (AAA)
SP Ace Shipley (AAA)
SP Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn (AA)
1B Edward Rossi (AA)
SP Gene Masarech (A)


8. Giants (67-87, 6th) - With very little pitching depth, this team is almost doomed from the start. They have some talent on offense which should keep them from being a pushover, but they still have a ways to go.

Top Starters:
SP Clint Rohm (25-11, 4.15)
SP Cliff Umbaugh (6-9, 4.26)

C Lloyd Johnson (.264, 23 HR, 85 RBI)
3B Dale Lamberty (.297, 17 HR, 53 RBI)

Top Prospects:
2B Vern Piernatzski (Majors)
3B Andy Martineau (Majors)
CF Al Yawn (Majors)
SP Paul Rivest (AAA)
SP Kyle Stevens (AAA)
SP Jack "The Carpenter" Schoonover (AA)
SP Tom "Sherriff" Zonneveld (A)
2B John Valcarcel (A)


8. Phillies (56-98, 8th) - After the worst season in franchise history, rookie manager Dummy Netsky was run out of town by angry fans. New manager Bop Vacha takes over a touchy situation where fans want to see a competitive team but the talent just is not there in a tough National League. This is one of the oldest teams in the majors, and they are in need of a facelift. Unfortunately, fans have been upset at how the team has handled the trading of many of their former stars.

Top Starters:
SP Elmer Finch (8-12, 4.07)

2B Augie Cost (.300, 10 HR, 76 RBI)
3B Troy Kinnear (.245, 19 HR, 76 RBI)

Top Prospects:
1B George "Flamingo" Maringo (AA)
1B Rik "The Greek" Kaladimos (A)
2B Maurice Goza (A)