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amead17 · 10-01-2025, 11:41 AM

QUIET MARKET, BUT THREE NOTABLE TRADES SHAKE UP THE OFF-SEASON

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
December 12th, 1904

Clubs make modest moves as veterans swap places with rising youth

With the off-season now well underway, speculation has outpaced substance. Supporters chatter of great names on the move, but in truth, only three trades of note have thus far transpired. Though the market has been slow to stir, these transactions may yet bear weight upon the coming campaign.

Browns and Naps Swap Outfielders, Veteran Ryan on the Move

On November 7th, the St. Louis Browns and Cleveland Naps struck the season’s first deal. The Browns dispatched 24-year-old left fielder Andrew Payne to Cleveland, receiving 41-year-old center fielder Jimmy Ryan and 24-year-old Matty McIntyre in return.

McIntyre, who batted a robust .310 in 152 games last year, gives the Browns a capable young bat, while Ryan—though a shadow of his former self with only a .207 average in 136 contests—brings experience aplenty. Payne, meanwhile, heads to Cleveland as a promising prospect with flashes of ability.

“I thank the Browns for my start, but I’m eager to show Cleveland I can hold my own in this league,” Payne told reporters.
“I may not be what I once was, but there’s still fire in me,” countered Ryan. “St. Louis will see I can steady a club in the late innings.”

Cubs and Cardinals Exchange Moran for Wicker

On November 20th, the Chicago Cubs dealt 26-year-old third baseman Carlos Moran to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitcher Bob Wicker, aged 27.

Moran, who mustered only a .171 mark in limited play last season, will look for a fresh start in St. Louis. Wicker, in contrast, brings immediate value: he compiled a strong 10-7 record with a sparkling 2.40 ERA across 27 appearances.

“Chicago never quite saw my best,” Moran admitted. “I believe St. Louis will.”
Wicker was equally candid: “The Cubs wanted steadier pitching, and I’m determined to give it. Every man wants to be where he’s needed, and I reckon I’m needed in Chicago.”

Superbas Send Donovan to Highlanders

The most substantial trade came on November 27th, when the Brooklyn Superbas parted with Bill Donovan, their 28-year-old right-hander, shipping him to the New York Highlanders. In return, Brooklyn acquires left-hander Jack Doscher, third baseman Andy Oyler, and 19-year-old outfield prospect George Moriarty.

Donovan’s 17-20 record belies his brilliance, as his 2.38 ERA in 39 starts places him among the league’s sturdier arms. Brooklyn, however, sought youth and depth, while the Highlanders sought proven strength on the mound.

“It’s a grand thing to pitch in New York,” Donovan declared. “I mean to give the Highlanders innings they can count on.”
Doscher, who heads the other way, spoke modestly: “I didn’t play much last year, but I’ll work to earn my keep in Brooklyn. A pitcher can ask for no more.”

Though no blockbuster trades have yet stirred the base ball world, these early maneuvers show clubs seeking either veteran steadiness or the promise of youth. Time alone will reveal whether November’s quiet moves echo loudly come next summer.

10-01-2025, 11:41 AM	#163
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,904	Quiet Trade Market QUIET MARKET, BUT THREE NOTABLE TRADES SHAKE UP THE OFF-SEASON By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times December 12th, 1904 Clubs make modest moves as veterans swap places with rising youth With the off-season now well underway, speculation has outpaced substance. Supporters chatter of great names on the move, but in truth, only three trades of note have thus far transpired. Though the market has been slow to stir, these transactions may yet bear weight upon the coming campaign. Browns and Naps Swap Outfielders, Veteran Ryan on the Move On November 7th, the St. Louis Browns and Cleveland Naps struck the season’s first deal. The Browns dispatched 24-year-old left fielder Andrew Payne to Cleveland, receiving 41-year-old center fielder Jimmy Ryan and 24-year-old Matty McIntyre in return. McIntyre, who batted a robust .310 in 152 games last year, gives the Browns a capable young bat, while Ryan—though a shadow of his former self with only a .207 average in 136 contests—brings experience aplenty. Payne, meanwhile, heads to Cleveland as a promising prospect with flashes of ability. “I thank the Browns for my start, but I’m eager to show Cleveland I can hold my own in this league,” Payne told reporters. “I may not be what I once was, but there’s still fire in me,” countered Ryan. “St. Louis will see I can steady a club in the late innings.” Cubs and Cardinals Exchange Moran for Wicker On November 20th, the Chicago Cubs dealt 26-year-old third baseman Carlos Moran to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitcher Bob Wicker, aged 27. Moran, who mustered only a .171 mark in limited play last season, will look for a fresh start in St. Louis. Wicker, in contrast, brings immediate value: he compiled a strong 10-7 record with a sparkling 2.40 ERA across 27 appearances. “Chicago never quite saw my best,” Moran admitted. “I believe St. Louis will.” Wicker was equally candid: “The Cubs wanted steadier pitching, and I’m determined to give it. Every man wants to be where he’s needed, and I reckon I’m needed in Chicago.” Superbas Send Donovan to Highlanders The most substantial trade came on November 27th, when the Brooklyn Superbas parted with Bill Donovan, their 28-year-old right-hander, shipping him to the New York Highlanders. In return, Brooklyn acquires left-hander Jack Doscher, third baseman Andy Oyler, and 19-year-old outfield prospect George Moriarty. Donovan’s 17-20 record belies his brilliance, as his 2.38 ERA in 39 starts places him among the league’s sturdier arms. Brooklyn, however, sought youth and depth, while the Highlanders sought proven strength on the mound. “It’s a grand thing to pitch in New York,” Donovan declared. “I mean to give the Highlanders innings they can count on.” Doscher, who heads the other way, spoke modestly: “I didn’t play much last year, but I’ll work to earn my keep in Brooklyn. A pitcher can ask for no more.” Though no blockbuster trades have yet stirred the base ball world, these early maneuvers show clubs seeking either veteran steadiness or the promise of youth. Time alone will reveal whether November’s quiet moves echo loudly come next summer.