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HITTERS BY POSITION - SECOND BASE
(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)
Bob "Magnet" Addy, Philadelphia Athletics* (1-20-.321-0) - This unheralded 31-year-old has been an underrated player for years, and he is expected to again be underrated this offseason, as Barnes and Pike garner the big infield contracts.
Ross Barnes, Boston Red Caps* (0-27-.337-5) - Barnes had an off-year by his standards, although he still stands a good chance of being named the league's best second baseman for the sixth consecutive year. He has announced he will test the market for free agency this season, and is expected to be one of the more sought-after players.
Tom Carey, Chicago White Stockings (1-37-.280-4) - Average hitter, very good fielder - that's what he's always been, and what he continues to be. Signed through 1878.
Ben Laughlin, Hartford Dark Blues (0-11-.224-0) - One of three players to split time at the position for Hartford. Laughlin is the worst hitter and the best fielder of the bunch.
Lip Pike, New York Mutuals* (2-38-.314-6) - Pike was about the best player in the National League at getting extra base hits. He probably has the best chance of dethroning Barnes, and he and Barnes will both be highly paid free agents this offseason.
Bill Smiley, Cincinnati Reds (0-27-.234-1) - This young player is said to be very unhappy with the Reds' losing ways. However, he is bound to the team for several more seasons, and isn't really good enough to start anywhere else at any rate.
Ed Somerville, Louisville Grays (0-21-.281-1) - A respectable second baseman, young Somerville was picked up from the now-defunct Centennials club and had a solid first season in Louisville.
Jimmy Wood, St. Louis Brown Stockings (0-39-.304-6) - One of the few bright spots on a terrible St. Louis club. At 33, Wood looks to still have several good years left.
And the best-hitting second baseman of 1876 is... LIP PIKE OF THE NEW YORK MUTUALS. In a surprise, Ross Barnes' five-year reign as base ball's premier second baseman comes to an end.
Second Base
1871 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (1-31-.336-12)
1872 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (1-52-.429-12)
1873 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (1-49-.360-8)
1874 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (0-45-.331-11)
1875 - Ross Barnes, Boston Red Stockings (1-71-.347-13)
1876 - Lip Pike, New York Mutuals (2-38-.314-6)
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