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HITTERS BY POSITION - SHORTSTOP
(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)
Tom Barlow, Troy Trojans (1-16-.261-1) - He did an adequate job for Troy, but as they had trouble deciding where to play Buck Ewing (.286), Barlow got only about half the playing time at short. Look for Barlow to be at short full-time next year, and Ewing to start at second base or the outfield.
John Bass, Chicago White Stockings (3-25-.230-0) - He had a huge slump this year, and is one of the highest-paid players in the league. Increasingly, he is unpopular in Chicago due to his lack of production. Has one more year remaining on his contract.
Tom Carey, Providence Grays (0-30-.257-1) - He improved significantly over last year's .227 debacle. While he's no disaster and has started for winning teams in the past, he doesn't appear to be a long-term answer in Providence.
Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues (0-51-.300-0) - This young star was one of the keys to Cleveland's first pennant. He is excellent both as a hitter and a fielder, and at 24 there's still room for him to improve.
Sadie Houck, Boston Red Caps (2-27-.267-1) - He's developed into a steady player at short. Although he'll probably never be a star, he's a good fielder and thus a perfectly respectable starter.
Arthur Irwin, Worcester Ruby Legs (0-32-.250-0) - An adequate hitter and a very good fielder. He is reportedly very unhappy with the continued losing in Worcester.
Mike Moynahan, Buffalo Bisons (1-40-.281-0) - This second-year player is still learning the position at shortstop, although he made some solid strides this year. A good hitter, so as long as his fielding remains adequate he's a solid player.
Pop Smith, Detroit Wolverines (0-30-.266-0) - This rookie actually did significantly better than expected, which allowed Detroit to move King Kelly to the outfield in midseason. A far better defensive infielder than Kelly.
And the award for best shortstop of 1881 goes to... JACK GLASSCOCK OF THE CLEVELAND BLUES. Glasscock is a promising young player with an excellent team who could be highly celebrated for years to come.
Shortstop
1871 - Dickie Flowers, Troy Haymakers (4-38-.374-10)
1872 - Dickie Flowers, Troy Haymakers (0-29-.407-4)
1873 - Tom Barlow, Brooklyn Atlantics (1-40-.341-3)
1874 - Tom Barlow, Brooklyn Atlantics (2-59-.316-3)
1875 - John Peters, Chicago White Stockings (1-27-.274-2)
1876 - Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings (1-30-.381-5)
1877 - Ross Barnes, Louisville Grays (1-37-.390-8)
1878 - Tom Barlow, Chicago White Stockings (0-24-.311-1)
1879 - Tom Barlow, Troy Trojans (1-47-.294-11)
1880 - King Kelly, Cincinnati Reds (1-36-.324-9)
1881 - Jack Glasscock, Cleveland Blues (0-51-.300-0)
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