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amead17 · 02-20-2026, 12:01 PM

CLUBS CONTINUE LIVELY TRADE TRAFFIC FOLLOWING SPARSE DRAFT
Athletics, Browns, Braves and Others Active in Late Winter Exchanges

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
February 10th 1918

Following what many observers termed slim pickings in the recent draft, the major league clubs have wasted no time in turning to the trade market, and the weeks since Christmas have witnessed a veritable flurry of transactions as magnates endeavor to round out their rosters before the new year’s campaign is properly at hand.

The most notable activity has centered about the St. Louis Browns, who have both given and received freely in their efforts to reshape their nine.

On December 23rd, the Philadelphia Athletics dispatched three young players—22-year-old right fielder Sammy Vick, 23-year-old shortstop Swede Risberg, and 21-year-old catcher John Brock—to St. Louis. In return, the Athletics secured veteran right fielder Harry Hooper, aged 30, who compiled a .260 batting mark across 151 contests last season. Risberg, for his part, struck .150 in 22 starts and 56 games overall during the past campaign.

That same day, the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees concluded an exchange of reserve material. Boston parted with 30-year-old shortstop John Daley and 23-year-old second baseman Bill Wambsganss, receiving in return 23-year-old right fielder Fred Nicholson.

The Browns were again at the center of dealings on December 25th, when they sent 30-year-old center fielder Cy Williams to the Brooklyn Robins. Williams batted a sturdy .283 in 150 games last year. In exchange, St. Louis obtained 22-year-old right-hander Jimmy Ring and 21-year-old left-hander Hank Thormahlen, adding youthful arms to their pitching staff.

On December 28th, the Boston Braves traded 24-year-old right-hander Bernie Duffy to the Athletics for 30-year-old left-hander Tommy Atkins. Atkins appeared in 24 relief engagements last season, posting a 0-4 record with a 3.06 earned run average.

The Browns continued their reshuffling on January 4th, sending 24-year-old second baseman Pete Kilduff to the Philadelphia Phillies for 34-year-old second baseman Amby McConnell. Kilduff struck .245 in 52 starts and 96 games all told last season, while McConnell turned in a .292 mark over 27 starts and 87 appearances.

Most recently, on February 5th, the Braves concluded a significant exchange with the Detroit Tigers. Boston parted with 26-year-old shortstop Rabbit Maranville and 22-year-old left fielder Jack Smith. Maranville appeared in 154 games last season, batting .260, while Smith matched that total of contests and hit a commendable .289. In return, the Braves acquired 35-year-old left fielder George Whiteman and 23-year-old center fielder Frank Walker.

Thus, in the wake of a modest draft, the trade market has furnished the chief means of reconstruction. Whether these winter bargains shall strengthen the clubs in fact, only the coming season will reveal.

02-20-2026, 12:01 PM	#786
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,255	CLUBS CONTINUE LIVELY TRADE TRAFFIC FOLLOWING SPARSE DRAFT Athletics, Browns, Braves and Others Active in Late Winter Exchanges By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times February 10th 1918 Following what many observers termed slim pickings in the recent draft, the major league clubs have wasted no time in turning to the trade market, and the weeks since Christmas have witnessed a veritable flurry of transactions as magnates endeavor to round out their rosters before the new year’s campaign is properly at hand. The most notable activity has centered about the St. Louis Browns, who have both given and received freely in their efforts to reshape their nine. On December 23rd, the Philadelphia Athletics dispatched three young players—22-year-old right fielder Sammy Vick, 23-year-old shortstop Swede Risberg, and 21-year-old catcher John Brock—to St. Louis. In return, the Athletics secured veteran right fielder Harry Hooper, aged 30, who compiled a .260 batting mark across 151 contests last season. Risberg, for his part, struck .150 in 22 starts and 56 games overall during the past campaign. That same day, the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees concluded an exchange of reserve material. Boston parted with 30-year-old shortstop John Daley and 23-year-old second baseman Bill Wambsganss, receiving in return 23-year-old right fielder Fred Nicholson. The Browns were again at the center of dealings on December 25th, when they sent 30-year-old center fielder Cy Williams to the Brooklyn Robins. Williams batted a sturdy .283 in 150 games last year. In exchange, St. Louis obtained 22-year-old right-hander Jimmy Ring and 21-year-old left-hander Hank Thormahlen, adding youthful arms to their pitching staff. On December 28th, the Boston Braves traded 24-year-old right-hander Bernie Duffy to the Athletics for 30-year-old left-hander Tommy Atkins. Atkins appeared in 24 relief engagements last season, posting a 0-4 record with a 3.06 earned run average. The Browns continued their reshuffling on January 4th, sending 24-year-old second baseman Pete Kilduff to the Philadelphia Phillies for 34-year-old second baseman Amby McConnell. Kilduff struck .245 in 52 starts and 96 games all told last season, while McConnell turned in a .292 mark over 27 starts and 87 appearances. Most recently, on February 5th, the Braves concluded a significant exchange with the Detroit Tigers. Boston parted with 26-year-old shortstop Rabbit Maranville and 22-year-old left fielder Jack Smith. Maranville appeared in 154 games last season, batting .260, while Smith matched that total of contests and hit a commendable .289. In return, the Braves acquired 35-year-old left fielder George Whiteman and 23-year-old center fielder Frank Walker. Thus, in the wake of a modest draft, the trade market has furnished the chief means of reconstruction. Whether these winter bargains shall strengthen the clubs in fact, only the coming season will reveal.