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1877 American League Preview
1. Boston Red Caps
Last year: 53-43
Manager: Harry Wright
Ball Park: South End Grounds
Predicted Record: 55-41
After two years of winning the pennant, the Red Caps took a step back in 1876 to Washington and look to get their form back this season. The biggest change should be the phasing out of legend Albert Spalding from the rotation as the star seems to have more focus off the field then on it. Sam Weaver and Jim Brtt will now try and hold opposing batters down. Jim Foran and Ezra Sutton are the core of the linenup and George Wright has seen age move him to second base and to the lead off spot. Boston still hads loads of talent and Harry Wright at the helm which for many should be good enough to get the pennant back in 1877.
2. Hartford Dark Blues
Last season: 54-42
Manager: Al Barker
Ball Park: Union Grounds
Predicted Record: 52-44
Like Spalding in Boston, George Zettlein and his age has moved him out of the starting pitching role but the Blues have young Joe Blong who they feel could be a star. Blong was used sparingly in this first year but will be the anchor as Hartford tries for their first pennant. Levi Meyerle and Tom York lead the lineup that will have more pressure on it after Bob Fergunsen decided to pitch instead of hit due to a long history of nagging injuries. Respect needs to come on the field for this team.
3. Philadelphia Athletics
Last year: 56-40
Manager: Dick McBride
Ball Park: Jefferson Street Grounds
Predicted Record: 44-52
Dick McBride is still part of the pitching mix as he has been since the first season but like most teams, the A's have found an 'ace' they need to lean on. It is Tricky Nichols for this team and the 26 year old will have his chance to make a real name for himself. The lineup is of concern as a true star is lacking and numerous role players have not stepped up to carry the offense. Unfortunately many see the A's 56 win season last year as an aberration and dont expect a winning record in 1877.
4. Washington Nationals
Last year: 63-33
Manager: Nick Young
Ball Park: Olympics Ground
Predicted Record: 49-47
No team has repeated as champions and that task falls on the hands of the Nationals who are coming off of a dream season. MVP Ross Barnes continues his dominance while star pitcher Bobby Mathews has lead the league in wins all six years the league has existed. Deacon White deserves more credit then he gets as does manager Nick Young. Washington has never had a losing season and has won over 60 games each of the last two years. Critics expect them to slow down and some point, but the Nats are eagerly looking for another banner season.
5. Keokuk Westerns
Last season: 27-69
Manager: Nate Berkenstock
Ball Park: Perry Park
Predicted Finish: 46-50
The press and the scouts love to anoint the games newest star and this year it is without a doubt the top pick in the country, Laurie Reis. The 18 year old is said to be an emerging star and will head the rotation in Keokuk to make a 27 win team much more relevant. John Morrill was the rookie of the year last season and Black Jack Burdock is a fan favorite and competent talent at 2nd base. Pitching will be the name of the game for the Westerns as John Cassidy and John Greason support the sky high expectations that Reis brings to a desperate club.
6. St. Louis Brown Stockings
Last Season: 38-58
Manager: Jamari Arms
Ball Park: Grand Avenue Park
Predicted Finish: 24-72
Everyone is picking the Brown Stockings to finish at the bottom of the league and some wonder if they will be able to win even 30 games. Hugh O'Neil battled his but off last season and shows signs of success as a 23 year old starter. The lineup is abysmal however with no source of production that could be hoped for. Al Thake and Harry Berthrong are decent players but are not in the realistic role of leading an entire offense. It could be a very long season in St. Louis and the Browns are in real danger of losing fan share to the cross town rival Red Stockings.
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