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amead17 · 09-05-2025, 09:09 AM

CLUBS COMPLETE SWAPS AS PRESEASON NEARS

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
March 25th, 1902

With spring exhibitions just around the corner, several clubs have been swift to finalize their rosters, trading men of note in the hope of finding the right balance for the campaign ahead.

On February 27th, the Boston Beaneaters made a bold move, parting ways with pitcher Togie Pittinger, a workhorse who logged an 18–19 mark last year. He heads to the Pittsburgh Pirates, while Boston takes on outfielder Lefty Davis, a .254 hitter over 139 contests. Both clubs believe the exchange will suit pressing needs, the Pirates craving depth on the mound, and Boston desiring more spark in its outfield.

On March 8th, the St. Louis Browns struck a deal with the New York Giants, sending right fielder Irv Waldren—a .298 man in limited duty—eastward. In return, the Browns gain veteran second baseman Frank Grant, age 36, who is striving to recover from a severe back ailment, and the younger infielder Curt Bernard, just 24. It is a gamble for St. Louis, but one that could pay dividends if Grant finds his stride once more.

On March 14th, the Pirates were again active, swapping 21-year-old outfielder George Merritt to the Brooklyn Superbas in return for veteran pitcher Frank Kitson. Kitson, a proven hand with a 16–15 record a year ago, brings experience to a Pittsburgh club aiming to defend its championship laurels.

Finally, on March 24th, the Chicago Orphans and Detroit Tigers reached terms. Chicago sent seasoned infielder Jack Doyle, 32, who batted .249 in sparse action, to Detroit. In exchange, the Orphans welcome Ed Siever, a 26-year-old left-hander who turned in an 18–16 record last campaign. The move strengthens Chicago’s pitching corps, while Detroit hopes Doyle’s leadership will steady its infield.

As the training fields fill and the crack of the bat once more rings across the land, these trades will be put to the test. Whether they prove strokes of genius or mere shuffling of pieces will soon be revealed upon the diamond.

09-05-2025, 09:09 AM	#39
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,850	Pre Season Review CLUBS COMPLETE SWAPS AS PRESEASON NEARS By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times March 25th, 1902 With spring exhibitions just around the corner, several clubs have been swift to finalize their rosters, trading men of note in the hope of finding the right balance for the campaign ahead. On February 27th, the Boston Beaneaters made a bold move, parting ways with pitcher Togie Pittinger, a workhorse who logged an 18–19 mark last year. He heads to the Pittsburgh Pirates, while Boston takes on outfielder Lefty Davis, a .254 hitter over 139 contests. Both clubs believe the exchange will suit pressing needs, the Pirates craving depth on the mound, and Boston desiring more spark in its outfield. On March 8th, the St. Louis Browns struck a deal with the New York Giants, sending right fielder Irv Waldren—a .298 man in limited duty—eastward. In return, the Browns gain veteran second baseman Frank Grant, age 36, who is striving to recover from a severe back ailment, and the younger infielder Curt Bernard, just 24. It is a gamble for St. Louis, but one that could pay dividends if Grant finds his stride once more. On March 14th, the Pirates were again active, swapping 21-year-old outfielder George Merritt to the Brooklyn Superbas in return for veteran pitcher Frank Kitson. Kitson, a proven hand with a 16–15 record a year ago, brings experience to a Pittsburgh club aiming to defend its championship laurels. Finally, on March 24th, the Chicago Orphans and Detroit Tigers reached terms. Chicago sent seasoned infielder Jack Doyle, 32, who batted .249 in sparse action, to Detroit. In exchange, the Orphans welcome Ed Siever, a 26-year-old left-hander who turned in an 18–16 record last campaign. The move strengthens Chicago’s pitching corps, while Detroit hopes Doyle’s leadership will steady its infield. As the training fields fill and the crack of the bat once more rings across the land, these trades will be put to the test. Whether they prove strokes of genius or mere shuffling of pieces will soon be revealed upon the diamond.