[Eckstein 4 Prez]

CLEVELAND BLUES (35-47 in 1879)

This could be a darkhorse contender in 1880. They were already a pretty solid lineup, and added a few talented young guys who should really help the team - by filling holes at second base and in center field, if nothing else. If the pitching can hold up, this team might be able to win a few games.

21 C Charlie Bennett (0-39-.236-1 with Troy; lifetime .250 hitter) - He came over during the offseason in a trade for Al Thake and $150,000 in cash. Cleveland says they are expecting more hitting than the 25-year-old has shown in the past.
26 1B Jim Foran (0-54-.286-4) - The veteran had a solid season for Cleveland in 1879, and should be one of the cornerstones of the offense.
30 2B Fred "Sure Shot" Dunlap (rookie) - This talented 20-year-old is said to have great potential.
49 SS Jack Glasscock (1-43-.289-0) - This 22-year-old had a good rookie season, and is an exceptional fielder at shortstop.
9 3B Fred Waterman (1-49-.305-5) - Seemed to be on the downslope of his career when signed by Cleveland, but had a good year last year, so it appears there's still something left in the tank.
44 LF Abner Dalrymple (1-31-.332-0) - He's already considered one of the best hitters in the National League, and he is only 22 years old.
18 CF Ned Hanlon (rookie) - No team got less production from any position than Cleveland got from center field last year, so this highly touted rookie definitely fills a need.
6 RF George Bechtel (1-40-.281-6) - He's settling in as one of the anchors of this club. A talented veteran who's still only 31 years old, even though this will be his tenth major league season.

1 P George Bradley (3-1, 2.45 last year; lifetime 14-31 record) - In a surprise, he won the primary starter job in spring training this season. Hasn't played much since he started for St. Louis in 1875-76.
29 P Martin Malone (15-20, 2.51 last year; lifetime 36-58 record) - He did a pretty good job once they started using him regularly midway through the season last year.