[NYY #23]

At least we are going the right direction, finishing above .500 with a 79-75 record in 3rd place, just 8 games back. A season score of 30, which is a lot better than 6, but not too good. 1908 will bring a name change to the franchise, out with the Americans, in with the Red Sox. It now pains me even more to try and win a World Series with the Boston Red Sox as a Yankees fan, but hopefully we'll get the worst out of the way first.

First some housekeeping items, as C Lou Criger retired along with 1B Buck Freeman. Both ended the season on my reserve roster, and we won't miss either as they combined for one at bat. Next, I decided to cut Cy Young so I wouldn't have to pay him so much for 1908. I wanted to offer him a smaller salary because once again I'm over budget since my owner lowered it one more time. First he refused to deal with me, now he is talking again. I'm only offering the minimum, so we'll see. I won't lose sleep over it either way.

Next, my head scout's contract was up, so we parted ways with Jose Polanco, and went out and signed Carlos Trujillo to serve as our head scout. He's rated slightly better, so hopefully it was the right decision.

A look at each of our positions, and some thoughts on what we plan to do during the offseason -

Starting Pitcher -
George Winter - 29 yo (20-12, 1.99 ERA)
Jesse Tannehill - 33 yo (19-15, 2.43 ERA)
Ralph Glaze - 25 yo (14-17, 2.86 ERA)
Joe Harris - 25 yo (11-13, 2.71 ERA)

I'd love to add another starter to bolster our staff and help give us some depth. Overall not terrible as long as Tannehill can keep going.

Catcher -
Ira Thomas - (.233/.286/.307, 53 RBI)

I can't get any productivity out of any other catchers so it looks like Thomas will be the starter. I'm hoping one of my other catchers will step up and give me another option.

First Base -
Myron Grimshaw - 32 yo (.374/.427/.458)
Fred Merkle - 18 yo (.301/.344/.377)
Dick Hobitzel - 19 yo (.302/.359/.363)

Too many bodies and not enough playing time for all of them, so this is an area of trade bait that I would like to improve another area. I'm going to dangle all three this offseason and see what I can reel in. Ideally Hobitzel will be the first baseman of the future, as he is the best defender of the bunch.

Second Base -
Chet Chadbourne - 23 yo (.265/.314/.342)

A pretty good defender, young, and not a bad bat. Other positions are probably more of a priority to upgrade.

Third Base -
Dave Brain - 28 yo (.228/.276/.309)

A very good defender, and has some pop for the deadball era. I'm not sure he is a keeper though, and think we could do better.

Shortstop -
Donie Bush - 20 yo (.254/.337/.301)

We'll keep him around, and hope he develops.

Left field -
Chick Stahl - 34 yo (.274/.326/.363)

A defensive liability in left field, but a good bat. I have concerns about his age, and will shop him. His high salary will make him hard to move though.

Center field -
Clyde Milan - 20 yo (.313/.382/.450)

He'll be playing center field as long as he is healthy. Good defense, good bad, good age. Not much else to say.

Right field -
Jack Hayden - 27 yo (.320/.357/.369)
Beals Becker - 21 yo (.280/.324/.405)

A good combo in right field. Becker had health problems this season, so having an adequate backup is a necessity, plus Hayden can play multiple outfield positions if necessary. I don't think he is more than a fourth outfielder though.

Overall a couple of holes, but not as bad as it could be. I feel better than when we started, but we've got a way to go.