Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

[OmahaBaseball]

The Double-A All-Stars selections are out and the Eugene Lumberjacks (minor-league affiliate of the Boston Americans) had six (6) players selected.

[OmahaBaseball]

The selections are out for the Triple-A All-Stars. The Clearwater Hooks (affilate of the Boston Americans) had eight (8) players named to the game.

[OmahaBaseball]

Thanks to an 8-game win streak (and 9 of the last 10), the Washington Senators (49-36) sit atop MLB's latest Power Rankings. The Brooklyn Superbas (49-36) and Boston Americans (48-37) round out the top-3. The Chicago White Sox (35-50) have a comfortable hold on the bottom spot.

[OmahaBaseball]

Saying that Chicago Cubs 2B Danny Murphy was dialed in at the plate last week is an understatement. In picking up his 1st career National League Player of the Week award, Murphy had a .517 batting average (15 for 29) with 2 Doubles, 1 Triple, 5 Runs, 4 RBIs, and 4 Stolen Bases which led to a slashline of .517/.517/.655 and generated 0.7 WAR on the week. It appears that the former 1st round pick (6th overall selection in 1899 draft) is starting to show what many had hoped for.

[OmahaBaseball]

A fine week of pitching earned New York Highlanders pitcher Christy Mathewson his 2nd career American League Player of the Week award. For the week, Mathewson posted a 2-0 record with 8 strikeouts and 3 walks, while allowing just 1 earned run in 18 innings of play.

[OmahaBaseball]

What a crazy July 4th game! In a battle that went 19 innings, the Boston Americans (49-37) outlasted the Detroit Tigers (45-41) by a score of 6 to 5. Boston remains in 2nd-place in the American League standings.

While neither starting pitcher was credited with the outcome, both did their part. For the Americans, Noodles Hahn went 16 innings (231 total pitches) in which he allowed 5 runs (1 earned) on 13 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6; Game Score 89. Jose Ramos covered the next 2 innings in which he allowed 2 walks but no runs scored. Ham Iburg (2-1) picked up the win for his 1 inning of scoreless work. For the Tigers, Bob Ewing threw 18 innings of ball (232 total pitches) in which he allowed 5 earned runs on 16 hits and 8 walks, striking out 6; Game Score 78. Jim St. Vrain (4-2) was tagged with the loss after he permitted 1 earned run on 2 hits and 1 walk in 2/3 of an inning of play.

With a combined 32 hits and 12 walks, there was a lot of activity of the base paths. For Boston, Fred Clarke (2 for 8, Triple, 2 Runs, Walk, Stolen Base), Dave Brain (4 for 8, 3 RBIs, Walk), Solly Hofman (2 for 3, Run, Walk), and Frank Chance (2 for 8, 2 Runs, Walk) had a good day at the plate. The Americans were a little too aggressive, getting caught stealing 6 times. The Tigers received offensive support from Jim Delahanty (3 for 9, Triple), Bob Ewing (3 for 7, Double, Run), and Charlie Hickman (2 for 8, Double, 2 Runs).

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #13 / Career: #74)

[OmahaBaseball]

A nice showing by Johnny Lush and some well-timed hits resulted in the Boston Americans (50-37) topping the Philadelphia Athletics (41-46) by a 5 to 2 score. Despite the victory, the Americans remain 1-game out of the American League top spot on account the Washington Senators (51-36) simply will not lose.

A nice outing from Johnny Lush (12-10) allowed him to pick up the victory, as he allowed 2 earned runs on 7 hits and 3 walks; Game Score 69. Earl Moore (8-8) was saddled with the loss after he permitted 5 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman; Game Score 54.

Leading the way for the winning team were Bill Lange (3 for 5, Triple, Run, Stolen Base), Danny Shay (1 for 4, Double, Hit by Pitch, Stolen Base), and Johnny Lush (1 for 4, Double, Run, RBI). Larry McLean (2 for 3, Double, 2 RBIs) and Tom McCreery (1 for 3, Run, Walk) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Johnny Lush (Season: #14 / Career: #14)

[OmahaBaseball]

A close game throughout, the Philadelphia Athletics (42-46) beat the Boston Americans (50-38) by a 2 to 1 score. While Boston remains in 2nd-place in the American League standings, they are now 2 games behind the red-hot Washington Senators (52-36; 11 consecutive wins).

Mike Lynch pitched a fine game, allowing just 1 earned run on 7 hits and 4 walks, striking out 4 in his 131-pitch effort; Game Score 69. On the other side of the box score, Jesse Tannehill (10-11) was burdened with the loss despite allowing 2 runs (0 earned) on 5 hits while striking out 4 in his 131-pitch effort during 8 innings of play; Game Score 72.

The Athletics limited offense came from John Titus (1 for 3, Run, RBI) and Tommy Corcoran (1 for 3, RBI). Boston's production at the plate was generated by Bill Lange (2 for 4, RBI), Danny Shay (1 for 3, Walk), and John Farrell (1 for 2, Double, 2 Stolen Bases).

Player of the Game: Mike Lynch

[OmahaBaseball]

The Boston Americans (51-38) closed out its series against the Philadelphia Athletics (42-47), by picking up a 4 to 1 win. Boston remains in 2nd-place in the American League race as the Washington Senators (53-36) picked up their 12th consecutive victory.

The surprising success of Sam Leever (14-6) continues, as the "Goshen Schoolmaster" allowed 1 earned run on 7 hits and 1 walk, striking out 3 in his 113-pitch outing; Game Score 71. Taking the loss was Mordecai Brown (9-14) who permitted 4 earned runs on 9 hits and 1 walk; Game Score 54.

The stars at the plate today for the Americans were Chick Stahl (2 for 4, 2 Runs, Stolen Base), Kid Elberfeld (2 for 3, Run, Sacrifice Bunt), and Sam Leever (1 for 3, Double, Sacrifice Bunt).

Player of the Game: Sam Leever (Season: #10 / Career: #46)

[OmahaBaseball]

Originally Posted by OmahaBaseball

The list of international free agents is out. I may dip my toe into the Gomez negotiations, but don't see myself going overboard in effort to obtain him. I have requested an updated scouting report on Alexander, Hernandez, and Vega.

Follow-up on previous post. I did place initial offer on Rodolfo Gomez at a little over $1,900. When bidding became more active, I increased my offer to $3,850, but was quickly informed that it would not be enough. Ultimately, the Brooklyn Superbas were the winning bidder at $6,135. If he develops a 3rd pitch, he could turn into a special pitcher.

[OmahaBaseball]

In a trade that brings youth to the Windy City, the Chicago White Sox traded away 35-year old SS Hughie Jennings (.254/.302/.334 in 324 PA; 1.6 WAR; former #5 selection 1896 draft; 1903 Gold Glove) to the New York Highlanders in return for 23-year old 2B Bert Daly (.336/.374/.600 in 155 PA at Double-A; 1.8 WAR; 4th round, 61st overall selection 1902 draft) and 24-year 2B Dutch Jordan (.171/.194/.371 in 38 PA; 0.1 WAR; 3rd round, 43 overall selection 1902 draft).

[OmahaBaseball]

Much to the disappointment of the 8,245 fans in attendance, this low scoring affair allowed the visiting St. Louis Browns (42-48) to top the Boston Americans (51-39) by a 2 to 1 score. Because the Senators finally lost, the Americans remain 2-games behind in the American League race.

St. Louis ace Andy Coakley (10-12) pitched a gem of a game, as he allowed just 1 unearned run on 6 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5 in his 124-pitch outing; Game Score 77. Noodles Hahn (13-9) was saddled with the loss despite permitting 2 earned runs on 4 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman; Game Score 74. Hahn has earned only 1 win in the last six starts.

With limited offense by either team, the spotlight shines only only St. Louis' Otto Williams (1 for 3, Run, Stolen Base) and Boston's Johnny Lush (1 for 2, RBI).

Player of the Game: Andy Coakley

[OmahaBaseball]

Another missed opportunity, as the outstanding pitching performance of Johnny Lush was overshadowed by the pitching of Weldon Henley and the absence of any offense by the home team. In the end, the St. Louis Browns (43-48) beat the Boston Americans (51-40) by a score of 1 to 0. On the positive side, the Senators lost again so Boston remains just 2-games out of the top spot in the American League race. On the negative side of things, the Highlanders are red-hot (7-game winning streak) and are now 3-games behind the Americans and only 5-games out of the AL lead.

St. Louis Browns ace Weldon Henley (12-11) tossed a gem in the shutout victory, allowing 5 hits and 1 walk in his 117-pitch effort; Game Score 78. This is Henley's 4th shutout of the season. Taking the hard-luck loss was Johnny Lush who allowed 1 run (0 earned) on just 3 hits, 2 walks, and 1 wild pitch, while striking out 7 batters in his 124-pitch outing; Game Score 84. This marks the 4th loss this season in which Lush did not allow an earned run to score.

The Browns' offense was generated by Jimmy Barrett (1 for 2, Run, 2 Walks, 2 Stolen Bases), while Boston's plate efforts came from Fred Clarke (2 for 3).

Player of the Game: Weldon Henley

*It is interesting that Henley was named PofG, as Lush was named MLB's #1 "Performance of the Day, with Henley #3.

[OmahaBaseball]

New York Giants pitcher Charlie Smith took home his 1st National League Player of the Week award. In picking up the honors, Smith posted a 2-0 record with 10 strikeouts and a 0.50 ERA in 18 innings of work. After a rough sophomore season in which he was demoted to Triple-A, the former 3rd overall pick in the 1901 draft may have turned the corner. He is a player that is on my "Shortlist" of someone that I might have interest in trading for.

[OmahaBaseball]

New York Giants 1st-baseman Harry Davis had a special week at the plate, In taking home his 4th career American League Player of the Week award, Davis smashed the ball to the tune of a .565 batting average (13 for 23) with 2 Doubles, 2 Triples, 4 Runs, 7 RBIs, and 2 Walks which led to a slashline of .565/556/.826 and 0.8 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Another frustrating loss that meant the Boston Americans (51-41) were swept by the St. Louis Browns (44-48) in this 3 to 1 defeat. The Americans remain in 2nd place in the American League race; 3-games behind.

St. Louis pitcher Tom Hughes (9-6) picked up the win by limiting the opposition to 1 earned run on 5 hits, 2 walks, 1 hit batsman, and 1 balk in his 121-pitch outing; Game Score 74. Jesse Tannehill (10-12) was saddled with the loss after allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks; Game Score 70. Tannehill now has 5 losses in his last 6 decisions.

At the plate, Billy Lauder (1 for 4, Double, Run, RBI, 2 Stolen Bases) and Patsy Donovan (2 for 4) played well in the victory, while Bill Lange (3 for 4, Triple, RBI) and Fred Clarke (1 for 3, Double, Walk) contributed despite the adverse outcome.

Player of the Game: Tom Hughes

[OmahaBaseball]

A much needed win for the hometown fans. In today's game, the Boston Americans (52-41) topped the visiting Chicago White Sox (37-56) by a 7 to 0 score. Boston continues to sit in 2nd place, 3-games behind the Washington Senators (55-38).

Staked to an early 3-run lead, Sam Leever (15-6) cruised in his 4-hit shutout performance, as he was able to take care of business in just 86 pitches; Game Score 82. Charles "Chief" Bender (11-14) was burdened with the loss, as he permitted 7 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits, 4 walks, 1 hit batsman, and 1 wild pitch in his 8-innings of work; Game Score 41.

Some nice hitting today for Boston, as Solly Hofman (2 for 3, Triple, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs, Walk, Stolen Base), John Farrell (2 for 3, Double, 2 RBIs, Hit by Pitch), and Fred Clarke (1 for 3, Double, 2 Walks) were dialed in at the plate. Harry Bay (2 for 4, Double, Stolen Base) played well in defeat.

Player of the Game: Sam Leever (Season: #11 / Career: #47)

[OmahaBaseball]

When the bats go cold it is tough to win games, even when facing the statistically worst team in MLB. Here, the Chicago White Sox (38-56) seized the moment to top the Boston Americans (52-42) by a 3 to 2 score.

While his season W-L record is not the best, the underlying stats for Fred Glade are rather promising. In today's game, Glade (7-17) kept the opposition in check to pick up the win by allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks; Game Score 72. Noodles Hahn (13-10) was tagged with the loss permitting 3 runs (2 earned) on 9 hits; Game Score 64.

The White Sox offense was generated by Mike Grady (2 for 4, Double, Triple, Run, 2 RBIs) and Harry Bay (1 for 4, Double, Run). Solly Hofman (3 for 4, Double, Triple, Run) was Boston's lone bright spot.

Player of the Game: Fred Glade

[OmahaBaseball]

A much-needed extra innings victory on a day where pitching was not good. Here, the Boston Americans (53-42) rode the hot bat of Fred Clarke to a 9 to 8 win over the visiting Chicago White Sox (38-57). The win, coupled to a Washington Senators loss, moves the Americans to 2-games out of the American League top spot.

Neither starting pitcher played well today and did not factor into the decision. For Boston, Johnny Lush allowed 8 earned runs on 13 hits and 1 walk, striking out 6, in his 120-pitch 8 2/3 inning outing; Game Score 31. Jose Ramos was called in and successfully got the final out of the 9th inning with 2 inherited runners. Ham Iburg (3-1) covered the final 2 innings to pick up the victory in which he allowed 1 base hit. The White Sox likewise had its pitching difficulties, with starter Bill Carrick permitting 8 earned runs on 9 hits and 1 walk in 6 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 24. Charles Bender (1 1/3 IP, 1 hit) and Charlie Shields (2 IP, 1 hit) kept the opposition from scoring before the ball was turned over to Bill Phillips (9-13) who allowed 1 unearned run on 1 hit and 2 walks to end the game.

This was a special day at the plate for Boston's Fred Clarke, as the All-Star catcher went 4 for 5 with 2 Triples and Homerun which led to 3 Runs and 4 RBIs. Additionally, Frank Chance (2 for 5, RBI) and Homer Smoot (1 for 1, Run, RBI) played well. On the other side of the field, Duke Farrell (2 for 5, Triple, Run, 3 RBIs), Pop Foster (1 for 1, Homerun, Run, RBI), and Harry Bay (2 for 5, Run, Stolen Base) hit the ball well.

Player of the Game: Fred Clarke (Season: #2 / Career: #6)

[OmahaBaseball]

A prime chance for Boston to narrow Washington's American League lead. Instead, the Senators (56-40) offense jumped on Tannehill early and cruised to an 8 to 3 victory over the visiting Americans (53-43). UGH!!!

Frank Kitson (6-3) picked up his 5th consecutive win, as he limited the opposition to 3 earned runs on 6 hits in his 108-pitch outing; Game Score 67.
The struggles of Jesse Tannehill (10-13) continue, as he served up 7 runs (5 earned) on 8 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 6 innings of play; Game Score 30. This is Tannehill's 6th loss in his last 7 decisions. Gus Thompson pitched the final 2 innings in which he permitted 1 earned run on 2 hits and 1 walk.

Not only was Kitson solid on the mound, he pounded the ball at the plate; cranking out a 3 for 4 (Double, Triple, 2 Runs, RBI, Stolen Base) day. Additionally, Monte Cross (2 for 4, 2 RBIs) and Duff Cooley (1 for 2, Run, 2 Walks) played well in the victory. For the Americans, Chick Stahl (3 for 4, Triple, 2 Runs) and Dave Brain (2 for 4, Double, Triple, Run, 2 RBIs) contributed at the plate.

Player of the Game: Frank Kitson