|
The Baseball Chronicle
1883 Season Preview
National League Preview
Boston Beaneaters
Manager: Charlie Pabor
Ball Park: South End Grounds
Last season record: 67-45
Predicted Finish: 2nd
A surprise second place finish last season and there is genuine belief again in Boston. Charlie Pabor has lead a very impressive roster that is coming into their own and should compete for the pennant. Charley Radbourn won the pitcher of the year award and has already challenged his manager to use him everyday if he needs to. In anycase Mike Golden and Jim Britt add pitching depth. The big strength is the Boston lineup that is lead by Jim Foran who drove in 113 runs last year with 45 triples. Ezra Sutton and Pete Browning are legitimate stars in the middle of the infield and Dick Hunt is back for another year with his his .359 career average. It could very well be one of those very special years for the “Beaneaters”.
Chicago White Stockings
Manager: Nick Young
Ball Park: Lake Front Park
Last Season Record: 62-50
Predicted Finish: 6th
Is Chicago really in decline? Many really seem to think so. The great bats have done the job for so many years and they are poised for another big year with batting champion and league megastar Cap Anson leading the way. The pitching however has to be a concern, Al Pratt seems to be finally fading a bit at the age of 35 as he lost 14 games last year. That leaves Tom Healey to try and be an ace but he has never had a winning season. Dory Dean could also be an answer, but he as well as the other two are far from a sure thing. The enigma of the club always seems to be a talented club, that doesn’t have the championship heart. Now it also may be a lack of talent, a conversation we haven’t had about this team in many a season.
Buffalo Bisons
Manager: Tim Krikorian
Ball Park: Riverside Park
Last season record: 54-58
Predicted Finish: 7th
There definitely is star power in the Buffalo club and fans will surely flock to the northern city to see them battle for respectability. Fred Dunlap is a fine overall player and George Gore is a fan favorite who led the league in steals last year. The return of Charley Jones has fans very excited as the talented outfielder hasn’t been healthy in two years but seems to be ready to shine. So what is the issue? The Bisons pitching is still very erratic and without an anchor. The team drafted an outfielder and passed on Hardie Henderson, a top prospect arm that ended up in Philadelphia. Expect exciting baseball and high scoring games but its probably not very likely to expect a winner.
New York Gothams
Manager: Chris Davis
Ball Park: Polo Grounds
Last season record: 55-57
Predicted Finish: 1st
The revamping of New York baseball is in full swing and many over the course have been convinced that the Gothams will be the crown jewel with a pennant in hand. Main stays like John McMullin and Pop Smith will bring their consistent bat as will yet another season from the ageless Cal McVey. The true excitement comes of course from King Kelly who makes his home on the biggest stage of them all, and most have the conviction that the pressure will only make him play better. The Gothams this year are about to show beyond any shadow of a doubt that New York is there town and they are their team. The competition will be fierce, but the Gothams just might be up for the fight.
Cincinnati Red Stockings
Manager: Frank Barrows
Ball Park: Bank Street Grounds
Last season record: 49-63
Predicted Finish: 8th
It seemed like they were building towards a winner but last season was a huge step back for this franchise and it all appears to be fools gold as many expect this club to struggle into the new year. Along with others, star catcher Jim O’Rourke seems to have taken a step back as he turns 32 and saw his WAR number drop again, this time to 1.6. Chick Fulmer hasn’t played a full season in two years but the town and the team hope he has found his old form again and will play a vital role. The team has age but none more than Steve King who comes back for his age 40 season while Hugh Campbell, the teams ace pitcher, is a full 36 years old and has a lot of miles on him. The youth is there but is likely not ready; Dave Orr and Yank Robinson are two budding prospects but the year at hand will likely challenge the loyal fanbase of this historic side.
Philadelphia Quakers
Manager: Bob Baily
Ball Park: Recreation Park
Last season record: 72-40
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Even as they take the field to try and lift their fourth consecutive pennant, it truly is the end of an era for this franchise. Gone is their legendary player and manager Lip Pike, who left the team after he wasn’t happy about the relocation. Pike won 597 games as manager, and new man Bob Bailly has huge shoes to fill. Still the talent is all still there. Gat Stires had a season for the ages slugging .689 and hitting 32 home runs. Roger Connor is the perfect compliment and will bring his .351 career average with him for another season. Jimmy Wood was rumored as the next manager, but he will be at the top of the order even as he turns 39. Jim Devlin and Cy Bentley head the rotation but some feel there may be a drop off on the mound. The city of Philadelphia brings a whole new dynamic for this team, with all the fuss some may have forgotten that this team won 72 games last year and hasn’t had a losing season in 10 years.
Pittsburgh Alleghenys
Manager: Jeremiah Harris
Ball Park: Exposition Park
Last season record: 52-59
Predicted Finish: 5th
Pittsburgh feels like it did well in its first season of baseball in its new venue. The club feels that it can compete and can build around two established stars in Tim Keefe and Ned Willianson. Keefe has a 1.00 career WHIP with a 2.43 ERA and seems to be coming up wth innovative ways to get hitters out. Keefe many feel is on the verge of real stardom. Ned Williamson has been called a star since his New York days even if the moniker only now is starting to fit. Although he doesn’t hit for high average, he is a terror on the base baths and is the current golden standard at third base. Emil Gross is a fine up and coming catcher while center fielder Gid Gardner is this teams version of a two way player. The club is fine defensively but just seem to make too many outs for themselves. Still the club has a strong belief they can finish in the top half this season and with some luck stick around for a relevant finish in October.
Providence Grays
Manager: Alex Cruz
Ball Park: Messe Street Grounds
Last season record: 53-59
Predicted Finish: 4th
Another club that has many scouts picking as the dark horse for success in the National League. Ace pitcher Jim Whitney lead the league in strikeouts and pitcher WAR last campaign and should be getting better. Continued improvement from Pat McManus as he turns 23 and tries and break his streak of 20 game losing seasons at three. Whitney also moonlights in centerfield and Harry Stovey hit .313 last year with a 148 OPS+. Top pick at catcher is Bud Fowler and he is expected to play a significant role from opening day on. One can not talk about this team however without centering on Dan Brouthers who continues to rake and may be the most unappreciated star in the game. Brouthers hit .370 last year with 10 home runs and 92 runs scored. He struck out only 10 times all season and stole 41 bases. He is a baseball Adonis for most who see him play everyday and many our convinced this is the year he completely separates himself. The New York club was said to want Big Dan instead of King Kelly as their new star, but when news came out about the deal, the entire city almost had a riot at just the thought.
|