Quote:
Originally Posted by Prodigal Son
A lawyer doing creative writing?
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I know. What a country! (If it's any comfort, I will continue to keep my creative writing at its usual mediocre level.)
Anyway, I want to finish these team previews before work today, so....
NEW YORK MUTUALS
Along with the Philadelphia Athletics and the now-defunct Brooklyn Atlantics and Philadelphia Whites, they stepped into the void left when Boston slipped from the top of the league in 1873, and have been leading competitors for the pennant ever since. Although they lost the flag to Philadelphia in 1873 and 1875, they did manage to win it all in 1874, and are hoping to repeat that success in the new National League. Look for them to be strong contenders all season.
11 1B Clipper Flynn (1-70-.319-0) - A lifetime .317 hitter. He's consistently been one of the better first baseman in base ball. He is rumored to be unhappy in Gotham, although he's played well there for three years.
27 2B Lip Pike (1-66-.320-14) - He is one of the most popular players in base ball, and also one of the best. Since he finally settled in at second base two years ago (prior to that he'd been primarily an outfielder), he's been an excellent, consistent middle infielder.
18 SS John Radcliffe (0-30-.240-3) - He had by far the worst season of his career in 1875. Generally, he's been a solid, .280-hitting shortstop, and the Mutual club really needs him to return to that form.
15 3B Ed Pinkham (0-30-.267-9) - He continues to be a solid though unspectacular third baseman. Can fill a hole a third adequately, but will never be a star.
19 LF Steve King (0-47-.276-5) - After hitting .359 and registering in the MVH voting in 1874, he slumped badly last season and the Mutuals have to hope he can regain his former form this year at the age of 33.
22 CF Frank McCarton (1-48-.354-0) - This 21-year-old budding star has been one of the pleasant surprises of recent years. After a Rookie of the Year season with Middletown in 1872, he had trouble getting a starting job in New York. Since taking over for Dave Eggler in mid-1874, he has been outstanding for the Mutuals.
29 RF Gat Stires (1-23-.212-4) - After having the worst year of his career, Stires is in serious danger of losing his starting job if he doesn't start the season well.
30 C "Orator Jim" O'Rourke (1-40-.306-4) - A very talented, dependable hitter and backstop. The outspoken star has emerged as one of the team's leaders and his frequent pre-game Shakespearean recitals entertain and edify.
97 SP Ed Stratton (41-20, 2.29) - Since taking over as New York's pitcher two years ago, he has won 80 games and lost just 36. One of the better throwers out there.