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CLEVELAND BLUES (45-37 in 1882; champions in 1881)
After two straight 51-win seasons, Cleveland fell off a bit in 1882. They still have the league's best defense, but the pitching really isn't great and several key hitters slumped badly last season. This year, they could be right back in first place if the hitters rediscover their stroke, and a solid third- or fourth-place team if they don't.
21 C Charlie Bennett (0-23-.166-0) - They don't expect great hitting from the catcher position, but they need more offense than he provided in 1882.
33 1B Bill Phillips (0-2-.308-0 in 1882; lifetime .250 hitter) - For four years he's been a capable backup, and this year he's going to have his chance at the starting job. Since he's replacing talented veteran Jim Foran, it's likely there's going to be some dropoff in production.
30 2B Fred "Sure Shot" Dunlap (6-45-.309-0) - He's one of the best young players in base ball, and should go a long way toward keeping the Blues in contention.
49 SS Jack Glasscock (2-44-.303-0) - Just a phenomenal middle infield combination together with Dunlap. Although Glasscock is the older of the two, he's still only 25.
9 3B Fred Waterman (1-39-.223-5) - He's 37 years old and appears to be nearing the end of a fine career. However, he's still an effective third baseman, so if he can keep his hitting from getting any worse he could be effective enough for this year.
44 LF Abner Dalrymple (2-34-.264-0) - Two years ago, he was on the verge of becoming an MVH-quality player. Now he's just another solid outfielder - what happened? Cleveland hopes he can figure it out this season.
34 LF-3B Mike Muldoon (2-29-.221-0) - As a rookie in 1882, he showed enough promise for them to find him some playing time this season. Expect to see him as a super-sub filling in wherever the club has a need.
18 CF Ned Hanlon (0-39-.219-0) - Another player who slumped badly in 1882. He's a great fielder in center, though, so his job is safe for now.
6 RF George Bechtel (0-29-.218-4) - Just can't seem to hit anymore, although he's a great fielder, like most of the Cleveland position players.
48 RHP Jack Lynch (8-13, 2.66 in 1882 with Buffalo and Cleveland; lifetime 14-17 record) - He came to Cleveland from Buffalo in the George Creamer trade, which appears to have helped both teams. Lynch will have his first full season as a #1 starter this year.
12 LHP Will Sawyer (rookie) - Cleveland's untested pitchers from last year didn't do too well, so the 18-year-old Sawyer will get his chance to help the club.
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