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SPORTING TIMES — February 12, 1912
By Samuel T. Kingsley
WINTER TRADE WINDS BLOW STRONG AS CLUBS REWORK ROSTERS
February 12th, 1912 — Once the draft concluded, the clubs of the major leagues wasted no time turning to the trade market, seeking to fill the gaps the young talent pool could not address. What followed was a flurry of deals from mid-December into the new year, as front offices reshaped their rosters with unusual vigor.
Senators and Cardinals Strike Early Deal — December 17, 1911
The Washington Senators sent 28-year-old SS Otis Johnson to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for 2B Jimmy Walsh (25) and 2B Art Butler (23). Johnson, who batted .299 in 72 pinch-hit appearances last season, moves to a Cardinals club hoping for steadier infield depth. Walsh, who hit .290 over 27 starts and 80 games, expressed optimism about the move, saying, “Washington is giving me a real chance to show what I can do every day, and I mean to make the most of it.”
Phillies and Tigers Swap Infielders — December 19, 1911
The Philadelphia Phillies traded 23-year-old 3B Wally Smith to the Detroit Tigers for 32-year-old SS Ed Holly. Holly, a seasoned infielder, hit .243 over 63 games last year. Smith, who impressed with a .341 mark in limited action, said of the move: “Detroit’s a fresh start, and I’m ready to prove I’m more than a backup bat.”
Giants Acquire Tinker in Major Shortstop Exchange — December 25, 1911
In one of the most notable trades of the winter, the New York Giants sent SS Donie Bush (24) and RHP Doc Martin (24) to the Cincinnati Reds for 31-year-old SS Joe Tinker, who hit .302 across 153 games last season. Bush, who hit .229 in 111 games, spoke respectfully about leaving New York: “The Reds are putting faith in me, and I aim to pay that back with hard play.”
Red Sox Add Yingling — December 29, 1911
The Cincinnati Reds traded LHP Earl Yingling (23) to the Boston Red Sox for SS Dutch Meier (32) and RHP Roy Golden (23). Meier turned heads last season with a .407 average in 30 pinch-hit appearances.
Cubs and Cardinals Trade Arms and a Bat — December 30, 1911
Chicago moved RHP Bert Humphries (31) and 1B Hap Myers (24) to St. Louis, receiving LHP Jesse Baker (23) in return. Baker went 12–15 in 30 starts last season with a 5.33 ERA. He expressed eagerness for the change of scenery, saying, “Chicago believes I can be better than I was last year, and I’m set on proving them right.”
Another Giants–Reds Swap — January 6, 1912
The Giants traded 21-year-old LHP Jose Junco to the Reds for RHP Bill Gatewood (30). A simple exchange of reserves looking for opportunity.
Dodgers Send Fitzgerald to Cincinnati — January 14, 1912
Brooklyn traded LF Mike Fitzgerald (20) to the Reds in return for veteran LHP Noodles Hahn (32) and RHP Dizzy Dismukes (21). Hahn made 21 relief outings last year, posting a 5.79 ERA.
Browns Land Magee; Braves Add Cravath — January 19, 1912
The Boston Braves sent LF Lee Magee (22) to the St. Louis Browns in exchange for RF Gavvy Cravath (30), who hit .065 over 6 starts and 59 games last season.
Cubs Continue Rebuilding with Athletics Deal — January 30, 1912
The Chicago Cubs traded RHP Tom Hughes (33) and LHP Harry Suter (24) to the Philadelphia Athletics for RF Olaf Henriksen (23), RHP Carl Cashion (22), and SS Milt Reed (21). Suter posted a 3–15 record last season with a 4.76 ERA, while Henriksen hit .295 across 82 games.
Henriksen shared his thoughts on joining Chicago: “The Cubs play a fast, lively brand of ball. I’m eager to show I belong in that mix.”
With pitchers and catchers soon to report, the winter’s trading season has left clubs reshaped and restless for spring. Whether these bold winter maneuvers pay dividends will be known soon enough once the 1912 campaign begins.
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