Relatively subdued, but still a few points of note. The Cards and Giants both went so close last year and look to be making a push to get over the hump, while the Braves make a rare big-money deal as well. After picking up Hank Greenberg last year, the Pale Hose continue to put a nice squad together with the addition of Sam Jethroe.
Here are the major moves:
- OF Sam Jethroe: White Sox, 6 years / $314400
- 3B Sid Gordon: Cardinals, 7 years / $305200
- C Phil Masi: Braves, 6 years / $242400
- P Paul Derringer: Yankees, 3 years / $137000
- P Cliff Melton: Giants, 3 years / $127400
- 3B Stan Hack: Giants, 3 years / $122200
- P Fritz Ostermueller: Cubs, 3 years / $105600
- OF Harry Walker: Browns, 3 years / $102600
- OF Ron Northey: Tigers, 3 years / $93000
- C Bill Salkeld: Phillies, 5 years / $91200 (extension)
- 1B Nick Etten from Cardinals to Indians for P Everett Fagan
- 1B Elbie Fletcher from Athletics to Giants for P Charlie Gassaway and OF Jose Zardon
- P Johnny Vander Meer from Reds to Athletics for 1B Dick Sisler
- 2B Jerry Priddy and 2B Gene Mauch from White Sox to Braves for C Sal Yvars
- OF Junior Wooten and OF Don Lund from Phillies to Braves for OF Jeff Heath
- P Marv Breuer and P Cal McLish from Phillies to Athletics for OF Sam Chapman
ALL TRANSACTIONS
We look pretty flat in ST, limping to a 9-9 record. Still, BNN has us pegged to repeat by a slender margin. The big surprise is Boston being picked to finish mid-standings with the Yanks reclaiming top spot. We shall see how that all pans out.
FULL PRESEASON PREDICTIONS