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fhomess · 09-16-2008, 01:59 AM

1877 Preview

Boston Red Caps
Last Season: 35-35 (.500), 5th place
NA Record: 149-143 (.510), 1873 Championship

Key Players:
CF Fred Mannion, .299/.320/.336, 13 SB’s
2B George Barkley, .315/.323/.370 (w/ PHA)
1B Charlie Rossi, .305/.310/.332
CF Sam Shokes, .339/.351/.409 (w/ NY)
LF Joe Holleran, .333/.344/.408

Comings and Goings
Signed 2B George Barkley, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics.
Signed CF Sam Shokes, previously of the New York Mutuals.
Signed 3B Oscar Williams, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics.

Outlook:
Boston picked up a trio of solid hitters that will round out their offense quite nicely. The team now boasts an entire lineup of professional hitters who will certainly strike fear into any opposing pitcher. The problem the team now has is to find a reliable starting pitcher. Fan favorite Will Svoboda is still with the team at 39 years old, and few feel confident that he’ll be a great pitcher for them again. To start the season, the team will hand the ball to 22 year old John Storey. Storey’s had some success the past two seasons, but that’s been in severely limited opportunities. The team will likely also give the ball to Billy Lamacchia and Fred Ross, both of whom saw some time as starter last season. The lack of a clear mound presence will likely keep Boston from winning it all.

Projected Finish: 2nd

Chicago White Stockings
Last Season: 32-34 (.485), 6th place
NA Record: 77-51 (.602), 1874 Championship

Key Players
SP Art Stokes, 19-9, 1.98 ERA
2B Tom Childers, .332/.356/.363 (w/ NY)
LF Jim Shemo, .327/.353/.390, 2 HR’s (w/ PHA)
CF Harry Pigg, 326/.357/.360, 14 SB’s

Comings and Goings
Signed 2B Tom Childers, previously of the New York Mutuals.
Signed C Charlie Harvard, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics.
Signed RF John Nero, previously of the New York Mutuals.
Signed RF Jim Shemo, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics.
Signed SP Joe Gotcher, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics.

Outlook:
Knowledgable baseball fans in Philadelphia and New York were unsurprised to see the White Stockings pick up several of the biggest stars from the remains of their franchises. The fact that NL president William Hulbert is also president of the White Sox was not lost on those who knew that he was one of the biggest proponents of kicking the Athletics and Mutuals out of the league. At any rate, the White Stockings will be much improved in 1877. The team boasts depth unlike any other team in the league. Signing both John Nero and Jim Shemo gives them four outfielders capable of starting for any team (Harry Pigg and Jim Maranto being the other two). The team also now boasts two starting pitchers that won 19 games last season. Art Stokes led the league with a 1.98 ERA in 1876, but if he falters this season, they can always put Gotcher in. They’ll win the pennant if they get enough offense.

Projected Finish: 1st

Cincinnati Reds
Last Season: 35-30 (.538), 2nd place

Key Players
SP Joe Bormann, 29-24, 2.47 ERA, 66 K’s, NL POY
LF Bob Handy, .313/.333/.389
CF John Gano, .283/.300/.384, 9 3B’s, 13 SB’s

Comings and Goings
None of significance

Outlook:
The Reds surprised a lot of people by finishing second in 1876, and in many ways, that has probably hurt the team’s chances for this season. The only player the team was able to sign out of Philadelphia and New York was 3B Tom Louque, who is certainly not a difference maker. Last season’s success came largely due to the arm of starter Joe Bormann. With the offense essentially the same, the Reds simply haven’t done enough to keep pace with Boston’s and Chicago’s major additions. A big drop off is likely, and it’ll be up to Bormann to keep them out of the cellar.

Projected Finish: 6th

Hartford Dark Blues
Last Season: 28-41 (.406), 8th place
NA Record: 61-78 (.439)

Key Players
SP Doc Taylor, 10-16, 2.00 ERA
1B Billy Horace, .320/.342/.390 (w/ NY)
CF Ed Buteau, .311/.320/.375

Comings and Goings
Signed 1B Billy Horace, previously of the New York Mutuals.
Signed LF Harry Rivers, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics.

Outlook:
Hartford was the worst team in the league last season thanks to an uninspiring offense and a pitching staff that didn’t have any real leaders. The offense this year is improved with the addition of Horace, but that won’t be enough to pull them much higher, and the rest of the league seems to have added more. The team really could’ve used an upgrade on the mound to cover up some of their weaknesses at the plate, and they’ll be throwing out the same arms from a season ago. The team is in some turmoil from the front office, too. While they retain the Hartford moniker, the team will actually play home games at the Mutuals’ vacated Union Grounds in Brooklyn in an effort to bring in more money. Of course, the Mutuals couldn’t draw fans with a better team, so it seems like a bit of wishful thinking.

Projected Finish: 5th

Louisville Grays
Last Season: 30-39 (.435), 7th place

Key Players
SP Denny Klusman, 15-12, 2.65 ERA
2B Tim Balke, .332/.330/.415, 1 HR (w/ NY)
LF Henry Rasnick, .332/.369/.391, 15 2B’s
3B Doc Bankhead, .314/.338/.355
RF Joe Scheinblum, .259/.268/.312

Comings and Goings
Signed 1B Steve Tucker, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics.

Outlook:
Louisville is a team that didn’t add much in the offseason but could still figure to put a better team on the field. The reason for this is a pair of hitters who got their first taste of professional baseball last season and are expected to be even better this year. Left fielder Henry Rasnick was among the league leaders in batting average last year, and his opposite field counterpart, RF Joe Scheinblum, is expected to join him as an elite hitter in the next year or two. Scheinblum didn’t hit all that well last season, but reports from barnstorming tours and winter ball had him hitting the ball with authority. On the mound, the Grays will be more of the same, which is a bit sad given the offense they’ll put out there.

Projected Finish: 4th

St. Louis Brown Stockings
Last Season: 34-30 (.531), 3rd place
NA Record: 27-43 (.386)

Key Players
SP Charlie Barta, 20-21, 2.45 ERA
C Mike Stanley, .320/.331/.388, 2 HRs
CF Bob Polansky, .352/.354/.431, 107 Hs, 8 3Bs, NL BOY
1B Fred Kron, .314/.326/.357

Comings and Goings
Signed CF Tom Ussery, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics.

Outlook:
The Brown Stockings were one of Philadelphia’s primary challengers last season and one of the teams most eager to see them leave in the offseason. St. Louis felt like they lost a chance to catch a team that was faltering late in the season, and even though the Reds eventually edged them in the standings with one additional win, many in St. Louis felt they had the best team in the league. The signing of Ussery isn’t significant in any way considering that the team has a very good collection of outfielders already. If Ussery gets any significant time, it’ll likely be because someone gets hurt. On the mound, a number of different pitchers in St. Louis could see opportunities starting games. Unlike a team like Boston, the reason in St. Louis is because they have plenty of capable arms. Charlie Barta will likely again get the majority of the starts, but it’s possible that Charlie Champ could usurp that role if he seems to be pitching better. Both are perfectly capable of supporting a very strong offensive unit, and the Brown Stocking should be in the thick of things all season. If things break right, they’ve got an excellent chance of winning it all.

Projected Finish: 3rd

1877 Projected Standings
1. Chicago White Stockings
2. Boston Red Caps
3. St. Louis Brown Stockings
4. Louisville Grays
5. Hartford Dark Blues
6. Cincinnati Reds

09-16-2008, 01:59 AM	#97 (permalink)
fhomess Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 2,749 Thanks: 15 Thanked 275x in 125 posts	1877 Preview Boston Red Caps Last Season: 35-35 (.500), 5th place NA Record: 149-143 (.510), 1873 Championship Key Players: CF Fred Mannion, .299/.320/.336, 13 SB’s 2B George Barkley, .315/.323/.370 (w/ PHA) 1B Charlie Rossi, .305/.310/.332 CF Sam Shokes, .339/.351/.409 (w/ NY) LF Joe Holleran, .333/.344/.408 Comings and Goings Signed 2B George Barkley, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics. Signed CF Sam Shokes, previously of the New York Mutuals. Signed 3B Oscar Williams, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics. Outlook: Boston picked up a trio of solid hitters that will round out their offense quite nicely. The team now boasts an entire lineup of professional hitters who will certainly strike fear into any opposing pitcher. The problem the team now has is to find a reliable starting pitcher. Fan favorite Will Svoboda is still with the team at 39 years old, and few feel confident that he’ll be a great pitcher for them again. To start the season, the team will hand the ball to 22 year old John Storey. Storey’s had some success the past two seasons, but that’s been in severely limited opportunities. The team will likely also give the ball to Billy Lamacchia and Fred Ross, both of whom saw some time as starter last season. The lack of a clear mound presence will likely keep Boston from winning it all. Projected Finish: 2nd Chicago White Stockings Last Season: 32-34 (.485), 6th place NA Record: 77-51 (.602), 1874 Championship Key Players SP Art Stokes, 19-9, 1.98 ERA 2B Tom Childers, .332/.356/.363 (w/ NY) LF Jim Shemo, .327/.353/.390, 2 HR’s (w/ PHA) CF Harry Pigg, 326/.357/.360, 14 SB’s Comings and Goings Signed 2B Tom Childers, previously of the New York Mutuals. Signed C Charlie Harvard, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics. Signed RF John Nero, previously of the New York Mutuals. Signed RF Jim Shemo, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics. Signed SP Joe Gotcher, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics. Outlook: Knowledgable baseball fans in Philadelphia and New York were unsurprised to see the White Stockings pick up several of the biggest stars from the remains of their franchises. The fact that NL president William Hulbert is also president of the White Sox was not lost on those who knew that he was one of the biggest proponents of kicking the Athletics and Mutuals out of the league. At any rate, the White Stockings will be much improved in 1877. The team boasts depth unlike any other team in the league. Signing both John Nero and Jim Shemo gives them four outfielders capable of starting for any team (Harry Pigg and Jim Maranto being the other two). The team also now boasts two starting pitchers that won 19 games last season. Art Stokes led the league with a 1.98 ERA in 1876, but if he falters this season, they can always put Gotcher in. They’ll win the pennant if they get enough offense. Projected Finish: 1st Cincinnati Reds Last Season: 35-30 (.538), 2nd place Key Players SP Joe Bormann, 29-24, 2.47 ERA, 66 K’s, NL POY LF Bob Handy, .313/.333/.389 CF John Gano, .283/.300/.384, 9 3B’s, 13 SB’s Comings and Goings None of significance Outlook: The Reds surprised a lot of people by finishing second in 1876, and in many ways, that has probably hurt the team’s chances for this season. The only player the team was able to sign out of Philadelphia and New York was 3B Tom Louque, who is certainly not a difference maker. Last season’s success came largely due to the arm of starter Joe Bormann. With the offense essentially the same, the Reds simply haven’t done enough to keep pace with Boston’s and Chicago’s major additions. A big drop off is likely, and it’ll be up to Bormann to keep them out of the cellar. Projected Finish: 6th Hartford Dark Blues Last Season: 28-41 (.406), 8th place NA Record: 61-78 (.439) Key Players SP Doc Taylor, 10-16, 2.00 ERA 1B Billy Horace, .320/.342/.390 (w/ NY) CF Ed Buteau, .311/.320/.375 Comings and Goings Signed 1B Billy Horace, previously of the New York Mutuals. Signed LF Harry Rivers, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics. Outlook: Hartford was the worst team in the league last season thanks to an uninspiring offense and a pitching staff that didn’t have any real leaders. The offense this year is improved with the addition of Horace, but that won’t be enough to pull them much higher, and the rest of the league seems to have added more. The team really could’ve used an upgrade on the mound to cover up some of their weaknesses at the plate, and they’ll be throwing out the same arms from a season ago. The team is in some turmoil from the front office, too. While they retain the Hartford moniker, the team will actually play home games at the Mutuals’ vacated Union Grounds in Brooklyn in an effort to bring in more money. Of course, the Mutuals couldn’t draw fans with a better team, so it seems like a bit of wishful thinking. Projected Finish: 5th Louisville Grays Last Season: 30-39 (.435), 7th place Key Players SP Denny Klusman, 15-12, 2.65 ERA 2B Tim Balke, .332/.330/.415, 1 HR (w/ NY) LF Henry Rasnick, .332/.369/.391, 15 2B’s 3B Doc Bankhead, .314/.338/.355 RF Joe Scheinblum, .259/.268/.312 Comings and Goings Signed 1B Steve Tucker, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics. Outlook: Louisville is a team that didn’t add much in the offseason but could still figure to put a better team on the field. The reason for this is a pair of hitters who got their first taste of professional baseball last season and are expected to be even better this year. Left fielder Henry Rasnick was among the league leaders in batting average last year, and his opposite field counterpart, RF Joe Scheinblum, is expected to join him as an elite hitter in the next year or two. Scheinblum didn’t hit all that well last season, but reports from barnstorming tours and winter ball had him hitting the ball with authority. On the mound, the Grays will be more of the same, which is a bit sad given the offense they’ll put out there. Projected Finish: 4th St. Louis Brown Stockings Last Season: 34-30 (.531), 3rd place NA Record: 27-43 (.386) Key Players SP Charlie Barta, 20-21, 2.45 ERA C Mike Stanley, .320/.331/.388, 2 HRs CF Bob Polansky, .352/.354/.431, 107 Hs, 8 3Bs, NL BOY 1B Fred Kron, .314/.326/.357 Comings and Goings Signed CF Tom Ussery, previously of the Philadelphia Athletics. Outlook: The Brown Stockings were one of Philadelphia’s primary challengers last season and one of the teams most eager to see them leave in the offseason. St. Louis felt like they lost a chance to catch a team that was faltering late in the season, and even though the Reds eventually edged them in the standings with one additional win, many in St. Louis felt they had the best team in the league. The signing of Ussery isn’t significant in any way considering that the team has a very good collection of outfielders already. If Ussery gets any significant time, it’ll likely be because someone gets hurt. On the mound, a number of different pitchers in St. Louis could see opportunities starting games. Unlike a team like Boston, the reason in St. Louis is because they have plenty of capable arms. Charlie Barta will likely again get the majority of the starts, but it’s possible that Charlie Champ could usurp that role if he seems to be pitching better. Both are perfectly capable of supporting a very strong offensive unit, and the Brown Stocking should be in the thick of things all season. If things break right, they’ve got an excellent chance of winning it all. Projected Finish: 3rd 1877 Projected Standings 1. Chicago White Stockings 2. Boston Red Caps 3. St. Louis Brown Stockings 4. Louisville Grays 5. Hartford Dark Blues 6. Cincinnati Reds __________________ StatsLab11 - PHP/MySQL based utilities for Online Leagues Other Mods: 19th Century: Schedules, FaceGen BBCards: 1887 Allen & Ginter, 1934 Goudey, 1988 Score, 1996 fhomess, 2005 fhomess FaceGen: 1960-Pres MLB, 32 Colleges, Backgrounds PEBA - Connecticut Nutmeggers Last edited by fhomess; 09-16-2008 at 02:01 AM.