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amead17 · 09-03-2025, 01:46 PM

CLUBS BUSY IN EARLY WINTER MARKET — TRADES SHAPE NEW CAMPAIGN

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
December 1st, 1901

Though the dust of the inaugural championship has barely settled, base ball men have wasted no time in reshaping their clubs. From Boston to St. Louis, the first weeks of the winter season have been marked by a lively trade market, as managers and magnates strive to strengthen weaknesses or prepare for the future.

Americans and Giants Strike Early
The Boston Americans were the first to act, sending young prospects Larry McLean, a 20-year-old first baseman, and 23-year-old catcher Jack Slattery to the New York Giants. In return, they secured the more seasoned arm of Roger Denzer, aged 30. Denzer struggled with an 8–20 record last season for the Giants, but Boston believes a change of scene and stronger support may revive his fortunes.

Baltimore and Philadelphia Swap Strong Arms
On October 30th, the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies consummated a deal that sent ripples across both leagues. Baltimore dispatched Harry Howell, fresh off a sterling 23–10 campaign, to the Phillies in exchange for Bill Bernhard, who himself won 25 contests last season. The trade is seen as a gamble for both sides, exchanging strength for strength, though it gives each club a fresh look at the top of their rotations.

Senators and Orioles Exchange Youth for Experience
The Washington Senators, ever in search of future promise, sent 27-year-old pitcher Pop Williams to Baltimore in return for 23-year-old left fielder Jim Jackson. Jackson batted .274 across 106 games last year and is expected to add some spark to the Senators’ thin batting order, while Baltimore will welcome Williams’ steady presence on the mound.

Browns and Reds Move Men in Bulk
A larger exchange was struck on November 7th between the St. Louis Browns and Cincinnati Reds. The Browns parted with veteran outfielder George Hogriever, youthful shortstop George McBride, and catcher Billy Maloney, receiving catcher Mike Kahoe in return. Kahoe, 28, is regarded as a sturdier man behind the plate, while the Reds gain promising youth and depth for the years to come.

Giants Add to the Mound Corps
Not satisfied with the Denzer trade, the New York Giants also dipped into the free agent pool, securing pitcher Warren McLaughlin, whose best days may yet be ahead of him.

The coming months will no doubt see further activity, but already it is plain that several clubs are not content to stand pat. With the Americans and Orioles reshuffling their pitching, the Senators hunting for bats, and the Browns seeking steadiness behind the plate, the complexion of the 1902 season is beginning to take shape before the year has even turned.

09-03-2025, 01:46 PM	#34
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,192	Early Trades CLUBS BUSY IN EARLY WINTER MARKET — TRADES SHAPE NEW CAMPAIGN By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times December 1st, 1901 Though the dust of the inaugural championship has barely settled, base ball men have wasted no time in reshaping their clubs. From Boston to St. Louis, the first weeks of the winter season have been marked by a lively trade market, as managers and magnates strive to strengthen weaknesses or prepare for the future. Americans and Giants Strike Early The Boston Americans were the first to act, sending young prospects Larry McLean, a 20-year-old first baseman, and 23-year-old catcher Jack Slattery to the New York Giants. In return, they secured the more seasoned arm of Roger Denzer, aged 30. Denzer struggled with an 8–20 record last season for the Giants, but Boston believes a change of scene and stronger support may revive his fortunes. Baltimore and Philadelphia Swap Strong Arms On October 30th, the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies consummated a deal that sent ripples across both leagues. Baltimore dispatched Harry Howell, fresh off a sterling 23–10 campaign, to the Phillies in exchange for Bill Bernhard, who himself won 25 contests last season. The trade is seen as a gamble for both sides, exchanging strength for strength, though it gives each club a fresh look at the top of their rotations. Senators and Orioles Exchange Youth for Experience The Washington Senators, ever in search of future promise, sent 27-year-old pitcher Pop Williams to Baltimore in return for 23-year-old left fielder Jim Jackson. Jackson batted .274 across 106 games last year and is expected to add some spark to the Senators’ thin batting order, while Baltimore will welcome Williams’ steady presence on the mound. Browns and Reds Move Men in Bulk A larger exchange was struck on November 7th between the St. Louis Browns and Cincinnati Reds. The Browns parted with veteran outfielder George Hogriever, youthful shortstop George McBride, and catcher Billy Maloney, receiving catcher Mike Kahoe in return. Kahoe, 28, is regarded as a sturdier man behind the plate, while the Reds gain promising youth and depth for the years to come. Giants Add to the Mound Corps Not satisfied with the Denzer trade, the New York Giants also dipped into the free agent pool, securing pitcher Warren McLaughlin, whose best days may yet be ahead of him. The coming months will no doubt see further activity, but already it is plain that several clubs are not content to stand pat. With the Americans and Orioles reshuffling their pitching, the Senators hunting for bats, and the Browns seeking steadiness behind the plate, the complexion of the 1902 season is beginning to take shape before the year has even turned.