OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Hurkman's Baseball-An Interactive Journey Throughout the Century

Hurkman · 12-18-2005, 03:10 PM

February 1, 1903

News

The biggest news of this offseason was, of course, the move of the Baltimore Orioles to New York. Within a month and a half of the 1902 season coming to a close, the Orioles announced plans to move to New York, leaving the fans in Baltimore heartbroken.

What was surprising was that player/manager John McGraw was willing to step down as manager, allowing former White Sox manager Clark Griffith to step in and take control of the renamed Highlanders.

"I wanted to focus entirely on my baseball career right now," McGraw said. "Yes, managing is important, but winning games and getting the World Series is what really matters to me."

It remains to be seen when Baltimore will get another club, if ever, but the city certainly deserves a team.

The other major news is what was mentioned in McGraw's statement. Yes, the owners of both the American and National Leagues have reached an agreement to have the winners of both leagues compete in a championship series that will be known as the World Series. The series is a best of nine, and the winner will help settle the feuds between the respective leagues.

Rookie Watch

With the excellent play of the rookie crop from last season, here's a look at the prospects who will have those shoes to fill in the 1903 season.

#1: Clive "Beast" Woodstock, 1B/RF

Clive, or "Beast" as he likes to be called, is truely that. Coming in at 6"7 and weighing an impressive 260 pounds, Woodstock looks more suited for work out in the fields than playing 1st base. His defensive skills do need some work, but years of work at his family's farm have given him the ability to knock the cover off the ball. Not only that, he's been said to have the hitting abilities of Willie Keeler and Nap Lajoie. He is an imposing sight to see when he stands in the batters box.

Current Ratings (Contact/Gap/Power/Eye/Avoid K): 50/63/27/31/42
Total Talent Ratings: 90/40/110/85/70

#2: Chief Bender, SP

The young Chief is probably the best pitching prospect in the draft this season. He's already got the skills to compete on the big stage, and whomever is lucky enough to select him will certainly get a player that they can use for years to come. Being only 18 also shows that Bender will have time to improve and possibly become one of the best pitchers in the league.

Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 36/74/97
Total Talent Ratings: 40/73/97

#3: Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown, SP

Brown is older than most (26) prospects in the draft, but he's got the abilities that will carry him for at least a decade in this league. Nicknamed "Three Finger" because of a childhood accident that left him with three fingers on his pitching hand, Brown now uses that disability to actually put greater movement on his pitches, making him more dangerous. His age is a concern, but he is ready to pitch for whomever drafts him.

Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 40/73/97
Total Talent Ratings: 36/74/97

Each of these three have the chance to place their names in the record book. Which ones will, and which will become the stories of yester year? Time will tell.

12-18-2005, 03:10 PM	#14 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	February 1, 1903 News The biggest news of this offseason was, of course, the move of the Baltimore Orioles to New York. Within a month and a half of the 1902 season coming to a close, the Orioles announced plans to move to New York, leaving the fans in Baltimore heartbroken. What was surprising was that player/manager John McGraw was willing to step down as manager, allowing former White Sox manager Clark Griffith to step in and take control of the renamed Highlanders. "I wanted to focus entirely on my baseball career right now," McGraw said. "Yes, managing is important, but winning games and getting the World Series is what really matters to me." It remains to be seen when Baltimore will get another club, if ever, but the city certainly deserves a team. The other major news is what was mentioned in McGraw's statement. Yes, the owners of both the American and National Leagues have reached an agreement to have the winners of both leagues compete in a championship series that will be known as the World Series. The series is a best of nine, and the winner will help settle the feuds between the respective leagues. Rookie Watch With the excellent play of the rookie crop from last season, here's a look at the prospects who will have those shoes to fill in the 1903 season. #1: Clive "Beast" Woodstock, 1B/RF Clive, or "Beast" as he likes to be called, is truely that. Coming in at 6"7 and weighing an impressive 260 pounds, Woodstock looks more suited for work out in the fields than playing 1st base. His defensive skills do need some work, but years of work at his family's farm have given him the ability to knock the cover off the ball. Not only that, he's been said to have the hitting abilities of Willie Keeler and Nap Lajoie. He is an imposing sight to see when he stands in the batters box. Current Ratings (Contact/Gap/Power/Eye/Avoid K): 50/63/27/31/42 Total Talent Ratings: 90/40/110/85/70 #2: Chief Bender, SP The young Chief is probably the best pitching prospect in the draft this season. He's already got the skills to compete on the big stage, and whomever is lucky enough to select him will certainly get a player that they can use for years to come. Being only 18 also shows that Bender will have time to improve and possibly become one of the best pitchers in the league. Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 36/74/97 Total Talent Ratings: 40/73/97 #3: Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown, SP Brown is older than most (26) prospects in the draft, but he's got the abilities that will carry him for at least a decade in this league. Nicknamed "Three Finger" because of a childhood accident that left him with three fingers on his pitching hand, Brown now uses that disability to actually put greater movement on his pitches, making him more dangerous. His age is a concern, but he is ready to pitch for whomever drafts him. Current Ratings (Stuff/Control/Movement): 40/73/97 Total Talent Ratings: 36/74/97 Each of these three have the chance to place their names in the record book. Which ones will, and which will become the stories of yester year? Time will tell. Last edited by Hurkman; 12-19-2005 at 01:44 PM.