A few big casualties in the managerial ranks at the end of last season, with Connie Mack’s dismissal from the A’s the main talking point.
Also, we bid farewell to the mighty Deacon Phillippe, who decided to hang up his glove. He was a fine serviceman for our club and we wish him the best in his retirement. Buck Freeman and John McGraw have also given the game away.
As more of a depth-strengthening move than anything, we sign FA
Barney Pelty to a 1-year deal for $1300.
Here are the other major offseason FA signings:
- P Jesse Tannehill signed as an FA by the A’s for 1 year / $2420
- OF Roy Thomas signed as an FA by the Reds for 1 year / $2380
- 1B Fred Tenney signed as an FA by the A’s for 1 year / $2080
- OF Pop Foster signed as an FA by the Browns for 1 year / $2060
- 1B Harry Davis signed as an FA by the Senators for 1 year / $1900
- P Jerry Nops signed as an FA by the Red Sox for 1 year / $1800
- P Willie Sudhoff signed as an FA by the White Sox for 1 year / $1580
- OF Charlie Hickman signed as an FA by the Senators for 1 year / $1440
- C Lew Drill signed as an FA by the Doves for 1 year / $1440
- OF Chick Stahl signed as an FA by the Giants for 1 year / $1240
- OF Socks Seybold signed as an FA by the Phillies for 1 year / $1240
- P Doc McJames signed as an FA by the A’s for 1 year / $1180
- P Watty Lee signed as an FA by the Cardinals for 1 year / $1180
- 3B Wid Conroy signed as an FA by the Browns for 1 year / $1140
- OF Sam Mertes signed as an FA by the Cardinals for 1 year / $1100
- P Sam Leevers signed as an FA by the Browns for 1 year / $1060
- P Jack Cronin signed as an FA by the Browns for 1 year / $1040
I further bolster our pitching ranks with a pre-season trade, as follows:
TRADE 1 OF 5: (04/01): P Charlie Rhodes and P Lew Brockett traded to Boston (NL) for P Rube Vickers.
While Cy shows only the barest signs of slowing down, the fact is he is 42, and Jack Chesbro a rising 35, which leaves us vulnerable to the inevitable. Rube, at 30, is no babe in arms, but he still should have a few decent seasons left in him, and is a real leader to boot. I’m going to start him in the rotation in Jack’s place, with Hagerman having to bide his time on the RR for now.
We go 12-6 in ST, with Nick Altrock suffering an ankle sprain that is anything but the ideal preparation.
Detroit loses rookie outfielder Jack Lelivelt for the year with a broken kneecap.
The A’s and Reds are the pundits’ fancies this year in close races once again. I’m not surprised to find is in mid-standings, the only real goal I have for 1909 is to get back to better than 500 ball.
FULL PRESEASON PREDICTIONS