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SPORTING TIMES — December 12th, 1912
By George F. Winthrop

WINTER DEALS COME EARLY AS CLUBS MOVE SWIFTLY TO SHAPE 1913 ROSTERS

The close of the 1912 season has brought little in the way of quiet repose, for the trade and free-agent market sprang to life at an unusually early date as clubs across both leagues moved promptly to strengthen their ranks for the coming campaign. From late October through November, a steady stream of transactions has reshaped many rosters and set the tone for a busy winter.

The first notable exchange came on October 21st, when the Brooklyn Superbas sent right-hander Jeff Pfeffer, aged 24, and young left-hander Earl Hamilton, 21, to the Cleveland Naps in return for veteran second baseman Johnny Evers, now 31. Hamilton posted a 19–16 record with a 4.32 ERA last season, while Evers arrives in Cleveland after batting .324 across 151 games, bringing proven consistency to the infield.

Three days later, on October 24th, the Pittsburgh Pirates dealt Denney Wilie, a 22-year-old right fielder, and Dick Cotter, a 23-year-old catcher, to the Philadelphia Phillies. Heading the other way was Charlie Smith, the 32-year-old right-hander who worked 38 starts, finishing 12–12 with a 4.32 ERA last season.

The Cleveland Naps were again active on October 25th, trading veteran centre fielder Bob Ganley, 37, to the Washington Senators in exchange for Biff Schaller, a 23-year-old left fielder. Ganley appeared in 70 games last season, including six starts, batting .212.

On October 31st, Pittsburgh returned to the trading table, sending Charlie Babb, a 39-year-old third baseman, and Ray Morgan, 23, to the Detroit Tigers. In return, the Pirates received right-hander Harley Young, 29, and left-hander Bunny Hearn, 21. Babb was a regular presence in 1912, appearing in 137 games and batting .246.

November opened with further movement. On November 1st, the Boston Braves shipped centre fielder Bert Daniels, aged 30, to the St. Louis Browns, receiving pitchers Fred Toney and Elmer Rieger, both 23. Daniels hit .234 over 102 games, including 55 starts, during the past season.

The St. Louis Cardinals made their move on November 3rd, trading catcher Syd Smith, 29, to the Philadelphia Athletics for right-hander Joe Benz, 26. Smith batted .291 across 49 games, with 25 starts, in 1912.

Another pitching exchange followed on November 13th, when the Detroit Tigers sent 23-year-old right-hander Tom Johnson to the Athletics. Johnson made six starts last year, posting a 2–3 record. Detroit received veteran Irv Higginbotham, 30, and young right-hander Bill Lindsay, 21.

Activity continued on November 19th, as the Boston Red Sox traded left fielder Pete Compton, 23, to the Chicago White Sox. In return came veteran right-hander Rube Foster, 33, and Dick Redding, a 22-year-old right-hander. Compton appeared in 97 games, including 27 starts, batting .277.

That same day, the Chicago White Sox also addressed their catching depth by signing Mike Simon to a one-year contract worth $1,720. Simon, released by the Cardinals in April, has yet to make a major league start but will look to seize his opportunity.

Several players expressed optimism about their new surroundings.
“I’m grateful for the chance to prove myself with a fresh club,” said Johnny Evers, reflecting on his move to Cleveland.
Pitcher Charlie Smith noted, “A change of uniform brings new purpose, and I’m ready for the work ahead.”
Meanwhile, Pete Compton remarked simply, “I’ll give the White Sox everything I’ve got.”

With winter still young and the appetite for improvement clearly strong, these early maneuvers suggest that the months ahead may yet bring further change before the first pitch of the 1913 season is thrown.