|
PROVIDENCE GRAYS (30-54 in 1880)
Well, they didn't finish last in 1880. Although this has been the most poorly-run franchise since coming into the league, and they didn't improve at all between 1879 and 1880, the new Worcester Ruby Legs managed to be even worse. This year, expect Worcester to make some progress and Detroit to be a little further along, which means Providence should end up in familiar territory - last place.
15 C Emil Gross (1-35-.251-0) - Because moves in Providence never work out, they planned their future around this 23-year-old and he promptly fell into a sophomore slump. Still, they have high hopes here.
7 1B Ed Cogswell (0-14-.241-0 with Boston and Providence) - This actually turned out to be a good move for the team, as they were desperate for a first baseman and Cogswell was languishing on the bench in Boston. Also, they only gave up pitcher Fred Corey, who they weren't using anyway.
20 2B Andy Leonard (1-33-.239-6) - He's an adequate second baseman, but he's also nearly 35 and no star. One more position they've got to think about long-term.
42 SS/3B Tom Carey (0-23-.227-2) - If he can ever find his hitting stroke again, he wouldn't be a bad player to have. Can field all the infield positions except first base.
4 SS George Wright (0-4-.122-1) - They'll be platooning him at short, both because they gave up a starter to get him and because Providence seems to like playing washed-up vets.
68 3B/LF Joe Sommer (0-7-.208-1 with Cincinnati as a rookie) - Yes, this was the big offseason hitter they picked up. Obviously, it's going to be a long year.
5 LF Fred Cone (0-5-.234-1) - He'll be platooning in left field, and while he's no star, he can't be any worse than the rest of the club.
28 CF Charley "Baby" Jones (1-35-.270-1) - He's a solid player, but using him in center means that Frank McCarton - one of the only players here with any talent - will not be able to start.
6 RF John Glenn (0-19-.274-0) - He actually had a okay year last year, so he immediately became one of the great hopes for the franchise.
43 P Harry Wheeler (13-32, 2.77 in 1880; lifetime 26-66 record) - He is a solid pitcher, but they have two players with more proven track records (O'Neill, Ward) on the bench.
23 P George Knight (12-11, 2.76 with Cincinnati; lifetime 28-68 record) - He spent the last couple years resurrecting his career in Cincinnati, but don't be surprised if it dies off again here.
|