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CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS (38-21 in 1877)
To defend their back-to-back titles, Chicago will use essentially the same players that won the pennant in 1877. Ordinarily, this would make them the clear favorites, but with Harry Wright's "Team of Stars" to contend with, it could be a real uphill battle for the White Stockings.
30 C "Orator Jim" O'Rourke (0-37-.322-1) - Last season was not his best year, but O'Rourke is still without question of the best hitters in base ball.
33 1B Joe "Old Reliable" Start (1-33-.347-3) - He had a big year in 1877, but at 35 years old he is probably due to start slowing down.
41 2B Tom Carey (0-46-.335-0) - This slick-fielding second baseman had a career year at the plate in 1877, and simply hopes to maintain something close to that level this season.
17 SS John Bass (1-33-.273-0) - Bass is consistently a reasonably good hitter, but no star. Seems a poor choice to start over the young Tom Barlow.
27 3B Levi Meyerle (1-32-.368-5) - He has had two MVH-quality seasons in a row after having become a good but not great player in Philadelphia.
35 LF Al Thake (0-18-.304-3) - Did a good job last year when healthy, but missed almost half the season due to injury.
11 CF Paul Hines (0-36-.305-2) - He is one of the NL's most talented young outfielders.
34 RF Charlie Eden (0-29-.259-0) - As a rookie, Eden started strong and then tailed off sharply. They are hoping his first-half performance is his true ability level.
13 P J. O'Neill (34-17, 2.73; lifetime 73-47) - He has been one of the unsung heroes of Chicago's rise, and will continue to be their primary pitcher.
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