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National League Preview
Chicago White Stockings
Last Season Record: 61-35 (2nd)
Manager: Charlie Pabor
Ball Park: Lake Front Park
Predicted Finish:1st
Chicago has come oh so close but just can not seem to get over the final hurdle and get the better of Philadelphia. Charlie Pabor has always been a players manager but some feel he should put a bigger fire under this group of talented players. Almost of the same roster comes back from last year with Paul Hines, Ed Pinkham, and Cap Anson as good a trio any team could hope for. Not to be overlooked, first baseman Joe Start lead the league in both runs scored and stolen bases. This team seems to be too good to be held down and go in as the favorites.
Louisville Grays
Last season record: 49-47 (5th)
Manager: Bill Lennon
Ball Park: Louisville Baseball Park
Predicted Finish: 7th
First year player Charley Jones has earned the name 'baby' and will be placed nicely right in centerfield as the city of Louisville enters the big leagues. Still many feel this club just doesnt have enough especially in the pitching department as Fred Corey will try and become the ace and Chrerokee Fisher remains as tough as ever but but he has thrown over 2500 innings and may be in steep decline. Joe Clapp is a true star at first base but the defense overall on the club isnt prominent and the team is the oldest in the league. Despite the predictions, this team did finish with a winning record last year in their final season in St. Louis.
New York Mutuals
Last season record: 57-39 (3rd)
Manager: Joe Lemmens
Ball Park: Union Grounds
Predicted Finish: 5th
If there has ever been a club that has been more dependent on one star player, we must have missed it. The Mutuals keep on winning and fighting for the pennant mostly behind Cal McVey who is not only their best hitter but their best pitcher. The club really has not made many reinforcements behind him frustrating the fanbase; Candy Cummings is the only other dependable arm on the roster, and Cummings is only as good as his curve ball is on a given day. Ned Williamson is the strong rookie who will try and make Brooklyn love him while Bill Boyd looks for a rebound season. Many are expecting the Mutuals to regress but take that for what it is worth.
Cincinnati Reds
Last season record: 57-39 (4th)
Manager: Jon Riker
Ball Park: Avenue Grounds
Predicted Finish: 6th
The Reds have built themselves up to contenders in impressive fashion and it seemed like the dream would become reality last season, but the club faltered in September. Will White takes his place as the ace of the staff and has earned the nickname "Whoop La" for the stuff on his throws. The club also has one of the best outfields in the league with Orator Schafer and Jim O'Rourke thrilling fans; Shafer especially had a break out season with a 3.4 WAR and .334 average. Steve King comes base for yet another year at the age of 35 and will bat leadoff. The ageless one hit .361 last season and loves the game too much to give it up. The Reds are an interesting club, but their shine seems to have dulled a bit. Buttercup is a 19 year old top prospect that brings a good skillset.
Philadelphia Whites
Last season record: 63-33 (1st)
Manager: Lip Pike
Ball Park: Jefferson Street Grounds
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Finally a championship along with three pennants in a row making the Whites one of the most prestigious clubs in the games short history. The club comes back in tact looking for number four as Tommy Bond continues to be a true ace and excellent in the big game. Gat Stires and Jimmy Wood continue to stay consistent a propel the offense while Lip Pike may not be the player he used to be, but still surely is one of the smartest and most respected. Jim Devlin and Cy Bentley make close out a great threesome in the rotation and 22 year old Fog Horn Bradley is itching to get his chance. The team is becoming the most popular in the nation and the sympathetic win for Pike last season may have taken the pressure off the club this year. The Whites likely will do what they also seem to do, raise the NL flag in a tight race.
Philadelphia Centennials
Last season record: 45-51 (6th)
Manager: Lew Carl
Ball Park: Centennial Grounds
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Many really like this roster and are expecting vast improvement from the little brother club in Philadelphia. A very interesting figure has entered the league by the name of The Only Nolan at 20 years old. Nolan can hit a bit but his ability as a pitcher is what makes him unique and as he joins Terry Larkin and Pud Gallvin, Lew Carl has quite a pitching staff to work with. Hitting is where the questions remain with Will Foley and Lew Brown good players but not great. The club also has some questions on defense and in regard to speed on the bases. Can the arms carry the day? Some feel that they can.
Providence Grays
Last season record: 33-63
Manager: Chris Davis
Ball Park: Messer Street Grounds
Predicted Finish: 4th
Leaving St. Louis for Providence, this franchise has taken a bit of a risk but has a nice new ballpark to call their own. Many are saying that top pick Roger Conner is the best hitter to enter the league in years and at 20 years old the anticipation is great. Charlie Gould is a good veteran presence to lead the young lad as he has accumulated 4 WAR in the last two seasons. Lefty Bobby Mitchell had a good first season even though he lost 30 times with a 2.86 ERA and threw over 380 inning, however there is no doubt the Ohio native has the right stuff. Although a shot at a pennant race just wont happen for this team, a new environment some excellent young talent may allow them to fight out of last place and take a real meaningful step this year.
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