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The Baseball Chronicle
Edition 11.1
1882 American League Preview
Cleveland Blues
Manager: Jamari Arms
Ball Park: League Park
Record Last Year: 52-44
Projected Finish: 2nd
The defending champions didn't exactly come out as strong last year but still were in the upper half of the league and competitive. Thirty seven year old George Zettlein comes back for yet another year as team ace at the age of 37 but is flanked by a good rotation in Joe Blong and Candy Cummings. The outfield is talented as Ned Hanlon and Tom York welcome aspiring rookie Ed Swartwood to try and get the club back to the top. Most everyone expects the Blues to be right there in the end.
Philadelphia Athletics
Manager: Malachi Thomas
Ball Park: Oakdale Park
Record Last season: 40-56
Projected Finish: 4th
Asa Brainard resigned from his position as manager only one season after winning it all. The loss will be significant as unproven Malachi Thomas now has to find life in this roster. The club has gotten a bit older and has not stocked up well on youth to their detriment. One young star is George Wood who hopes to take a big step this year while Jim McCormick is still playing well both ways but had a bit of a down year on the mound and the Scotsman will look to rebound as team ace this season. The arrow may not be pointing up for for this club.
Worcester Ruby Legs
Manager: Shamar Pate
Ball Park: Agriculture County Fair Grounds
Record Last Season: 53-43
Projected Finish: 3rd
The old guard has proven to be as good as ever. Ross Barnes was surely comeback player of the year hitting .289 with a 3.9 WAR. Deacon White hit .307 at 34 years old and Bobby Mathews is now team ace once again after winning 22 games. Add all this to Charlie Bennett and Frank McCarton who have become legitimate stars and the Ruby Legs have the belief that they can win it all again. They look to become the first franchise to win the title 4 times.
Detroit Wolverines
Manager: Jose Kim
Ball Park: Recreation Park
Record Last Season: 40-56
Projected Finish: 5th
Per his own request, King Kelly is moving to third base as it is said that the 24 year old star is frustrated at losing and has his patience wearing thin. Sadie Houck should team with him well at short while many expect Honest John Morrill to take a step forward this year after hitting .309 with 43 doubles. Guy Hecker is a true talent and at age 26 is also ready to break through on the mound. Just to be competitive would be a major step for this club, falling behind the two expansion clubs would be an utter disaster.
St. Louis Brown Stockings
Manager: Cortez Cachola
Ball Park: Sportsmans Park
Last Season Record: 57-39
Projected Finish: 1st
Buck Ewing is moving from catcher to third base in what is an eye opening move for the defending pennant winners. Ewing was probably the best defensive catcher in the league. The club still remains immensely talented with Jack Glasscock and Jack Farrell playing sensational defensive ball. The pitching also returns stronger then ever as Fred Goldsmith is poised to have another big season and Harry Salisbury is set to join the rotation with an array of new pitches. The team with the best arms, best defense, and best stadium looks to lift another flag this season.
Baltimore Orioles
Manager: Jeremy Parker
Ball Park: Newington Park
Last Year Record: None
Projected Finish: 6th
Sam Weaver won 27 games once and was 1878 Outstanding Pitcher of the year. After a few lost seasons, he now looks to lead a new Baltimore team to respectability. The offense will struggle as Tommy Beals and John Glenn have to play roles they haven't done so before. Two intriguing rookies will start right away in Charlie Comiskey and Sleeper Sullivan. On the Baltimore bench are also legendary players like Levi Meyerle, Clipper Flynn, and George Wright. Newington Park will surely be full as the club tries to make a permanent stake in Maryland for years to come.
Louisville Eclipse
Manager: Malik Felton
Ball Park: Eclipse Park
Record Last Year: None
Projected Finish: 7th
Experts aren't buying the high profile rotation of Al Spalding, Dick McBride, and Mickey Welch, but the Kentucky fans are sure loving it. The city cant wait to see Spalding take the ball on opening day and even the Irishman Tommy Bond who won 27 games in 1877 is on the roster. Hitting will be another thing all together as there is very little talent to speak of. John Radcliffe is a name you may have heard of while Leach Maskrey will be the best prospect they have who will play in right. Charlie Hodes will play a big role on the club more for his leadership and two championship experience with Philadelphia.
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