[luckymann]

One lingering question is answered on the first day of the offseason as Willie Wells decides not to opt out of his contract. I never really thought he would given the money he is on (only Lefty Grove earns more at the moment) but you just never know.

Bill McCall was magnificent for us this year and I just think we need him for a couple more years, despite the lofty price tag. So we pitch him a 2+1 deal at what I think is a fair rate. Sadly, he is unwavering and is simply asking too much for the role he is destined to play at our club, especially at a rising 37 and historically injury-prone. And so I am forced to let him walk - reluctantly, as guys of his calibre are almost impossible to find.

We also non-tender Lloyd Brown, Rollie Hemsley – who wanted way more than our assessment of his value – and Lefty O’Doul.

It’s a cruel old game this managing gig, as Bill Essick is let go by the Tigers. Let’s face it, a couple of different bounces of the ball and they could well be World Champions right now. Somewhat easier to understand is the firing of both St. Louis skippers – Tom “Sugar Boy” Dougherty (those of you following my OFA save might recognise that name…) by the Browns and Carl Lundgren by the Cards.

We lose to retirement three of the game’s absolute legends – each of whom I shall deal with separately. Others of note hanging them up include Pete Donohue, Rube Curry, Jesse Hubbard, Joe Hauser, Herb Pennock, Bing Miller, Jimmy Dykes, Joe Sewell, the mighty Biz Mackey and George “The Bull” Uhle.