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PROVIDENCE GRAYS (44-40 in 1882)
Providence enjoyed its first small measure of success in 1882, and they are looking to build on that this season. Jack Rowe will have his first full season with the club, and they added Bill McClellan and Levi Meyerle from Chicago. Look for them to remain in the first division, though Meyerle and McCarton are going to have to have big years for them to contend.
9 C Jack Rowe (1-28-.237-0) - He came over in a trade with Buffalo midway through 1882, and played mostly shortstop. However, in spring training this season starting catcher Emil Gross struggled, so they are reportedly going to try him there.
7 1B Ed Cogswell (1-45-.267-0) - He's improved each year with Providence, and is now a solid if unspectacular player at first.
44 2B Bill McClellan (2-36-.255-1 with Chicago; lifetime .254 hitter) - They traded outfielder Charley Jones to Chicago this offseason to get him, so they are expecting good things from this young man. A good fielder.
24 2B Steve Brady (0 for 12 in 1882; lifetime .251 hitter) - He will be a utility infielder who gets some at-bats at second base against left-handed pitchers.
42 SS Tom Carey (0-13-.217-1) - In a mild surprise, this veteran utility man will start at shortstop for Providence. If he struggles look for Rowe to move back to short.
89 3B Jerry Denny (1-42-.243-0) - A decent young player who hasn't achieved his full potential yet.
68 LF Joe Sommer (3-43-.256-10) - In his second season as a starter, he had a solid year, and made Charley Jones expendable.
22 CF Frank McCarton (1-23-.246-2) - This career .317 hitter had a terrible year in 1882, and needs to find his hitting stroke if Providence is to improve.
27 RF Levi Meyerle (1-35-.260-1 with Chicago; lifetime .316 hitter) - At age 37, Meyerle could be approaching the end of the line, but he's been one of the best hitters ever, so there's still hope he has something left in the tank.
6 RHP Charlie Sweeney (7-3, 1.71 as a rookie) - This Californian had a great rookie year, and seems prepared to build on it in 1883.
43 RHP Harry Wheeler (22-26, 2.27; lifetime 62-107 record) - This hard-luck pitcher has been with Providence through thin and thinner, and is hoping this is finally the year they make a run at the pennant.
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