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amead17 · 10-02-2025, 12:06 PM

TRADE MARKET STIRS TO LIFE AS CLUBS FILL WINTER NEEDS

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting from Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
February 12th, 1905

After a sluggish start the trade market has come alive after the draft as clubs scramble to fortify their rosters before spring training. While no single deal has shaken the base ball world, several notable trades over the past two months show a clear intent by clubs to patch holes the draft could not fill.

On December 14th, the Brooklyn Superbas sent veteran first baseman Tom McCreery (age 30) to the Boston Americans, receiving youthful outfielder Claude Rossman (age 23) in return. McCreery batted .242 in 76 appearances last season, while Rossman is seen as a player with more upside and years ahead of him.

Two days later, on December 16th, the New York Giants shipped young left-hander Ambrose Puttmann (24) to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for seasoned right-hander Jack Cronin (30). Puttmann posted a modest 3.48 ERA last season, while Cronin, fresh off a strong 21–15 campaign with a 2.26 ERA, gives the Giants a proven arm to steady their rotation.

The Highlanders also dipped into the market on December 23rd, dealing infielder Rabbit Nill (23) to the St. Louis Cardinals for veteran pitcher Jack Powell (30). Powell, who went 21–19 with a 2.44 ERA, brings a dependable presence to New York’s staff.

On December 28th, the Cardinals struck again, this time sending longtime shortstop Bobby Wallace (31) to the Philadelphia Athletics. In return, St. Louis received young third baseman Bob Unglaub (24). Wallace, who batted .268 in 152 appearances last season, will give the Athletics stability in the infield, while Unglaub is regarded as a promising piece for the future.

The St. Louis Browns joined the fray on January 9th, trading young catcher Rafael Figarola (22) to the Boston Beaneaters. In return, the Browns landed pitchers Roy Evans (30), who went 13–8 with a 4.02 ERA, and Beany Jacobson (23), a left-hander still developing his craft.

Perhaps the most intriguing swap came on January 14th, when the Washington Senators dealt pitchers Joe Corbett (29) and Bugs Raymond (22) to the Cleveland Naps. In return, Washington secured right-hander Mike Lynch (24), who impressed with a 20–14 record and 2.73 ERA, along with outfielder Harry McChesney (24). Corbett, who struggled to a 10–27 mark with a 4.39 ERA last year, gets a new start in Cleveland, while Lynch’s arrival in Washington has already lifted hopes for a stronger season ahead.

Finally, on February 6th, the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals completed a smaller exchange, swapping reserve players. The Phillies sent Fred Odwell (32, RF) westward, while the Cardinals sent back Mike O’Neill (27, LHP) and Pete Noonan (23, C). Neither side expects fireworks from the deal, but both clubs believe the swap better balances their depth.

Though no trade thus far has been earth-shattering, the flurry of activity in recent weeks suggests clubs are at last setting their houses in order for the 1905 campaign. More movement may yet be in store before the season dawns in April.

10-02-2025, 12:06 PM	#166
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,275	Winter Trades TRADE MARKET STIRS TO LIFE AS CLUBS FILL WINTER NEEDS By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times Additional reporting from Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times February 12th, 1905 After a sluggish start the trade market has come alive after the draft as clubs scramble to fortify their rosters before spring training. While no single deal has shaken the base ball world, several notable trades over the past two months show a clear intent by clubs to patch holes the draft could not fill. On December 14th, the Brooklyn Superbas sent veteran first baseman Tom McCreery (age 30) to the Boston Americans, receiving youthful outfielder Claude Rossman (age 23) in return. McCreery batted .242 in 76 appearances last season, while Rossman is seen as a player with more upside and years ahead of him. Two days later, on December 16th, the New York Giants shipped young left-hander Ambrose Puttmann (24) to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for seasoned right-hander Jack Cronin (30). Puttmann posted a modest 3.48 ERA last season, while Cronin, fresh off a strong 21–15 campaign with a 2.26 ERA, gives the Giants a proven arm to steady their rotation. The Highlanders also dipped into the market on December 23rd, dealing infielder Rabbit Nill (23) to the St. Louis Cardinals for veteran pitcher Jack Powell (30). Powell, who went 21–19 with a 2.44 ERA, brings a dependable presence to New York’s staff. On December 28th, the Cardinals struck again, this time sending longtime shortstop Bobby Wallace (31) to the Philadelphia Athletics. In return, St. Louis received young third baseman Bob Unglaub (24). Wallace, who batted .268 in 152 appearances last season, will give the Athletics stability in the infield, while Unglaub is regarded as a promising piece for the future. The St. Louis Browns joined the fray on January 9th, trading young catcher Rafael Figarola (22) to the Boston Beaneaters. In return, the Browns landed pitchers Roy Evans (30), who went 13–8 with a 4.02 ERA, and Beany Jacobson (23), a left-hander still developing his craft. Perhaps the most intriguing swap came on January 14th, when the Washington Senators dealt pitchers Joe Corbett (29) and Bugs Raymond (22) to the Cleveland Naps. In return, Washington secured right-hander Mike Lynch (24), who impressed with a 20–14 record and 2.73 ERA, along with outfielder Harry McChesney (24). Corbett, who struggled to a 10–27 mark with a 4.39 ERA last year, gets a new start in Cleveland, while Lynch’s arrival in Washington has already lifted hopes for a stronger season ahead. Finally, on February 6th, the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals completed a smaller exchange, swapping reserve players. The Phillies sent Fred Odwell (32, RF) westward, while the Cardinals sent back Mike O’Neill (27, LHP) and Pete Noonan (23, C). Neither side expects fireworks from the deal, but both clubs believe the swap better balances their depth. Though no trade thus far has been earth-shattering, the flurry of activity in recent weeks suggests clubs are at last setting their houses in order for the 1905 campaign. More movement may yet be in store before the season dawns in April.