Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

[OmahaBaseball]

I sit here trying to make sense of the trade that the Chicago Cubs made with the New York Giants. In exchange for receiving 28-year old 2B Charlie Dexter, the Cubs parted with 31-year old SP Chick Fraser and 24-year old SP Frank Corridon. Maybe I am missing something obvious, but this sure seems to favor the Giants.

Chicago receives:

Charlie Dexter (28-year old 2B)
Former #63 ranked prospect (1901) 
.192/.245/.225 with  2 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR,  10 R,  15 RBI for -0.2 WAR in  163 PA (MLB / 1904)
.230/.279/.292 with 50 2B, 8 3B, 7 HR, 133 R, 148 RBI for  0.8 WAR in 1527 PA (MLB / 4 seasons)

New York receives:

Chick Fraser (31-year old SP)
  9-9 W/L record with  61 K,  42 BB, and 2.64 ERA for 1.9 WAR in   160 1/3 IP (MLB / 1904)
58-60 W/L record with 361 K, 344 BB, and 3.69 ERA for 6.5 WAR in 1,025 2/3 IP (MLB / 4 seasons)

Frank Corridon (24-year old SP)
1st round pick, 11th overall, of the Chicago Cubs (1903)
14-22 W/L record with 129 K, 80 BB, and 2.55 ERA for 2.6 WAR in 303 1/3 IP (MLB / 1904)

[OmahaBaseball]

The Boston Americans announced today that they were inspired by the charitable efforts of Sam Leever. So much so that they have created a local charity to aid those in need. This news was well-received by the local fanbase.

[OmahaBaseball]

Received word today that Boston American team owner Kevin Kunz has decided to increase the team budget to $430,000 for the upcoming season. As of this writing, this mark is highest in MLB.

[OmahaBaseball]

The January 1905 Player Development Report was issued today and there are a few surprises that I think stem from the move from OOTP v23 to OOTP v25. Pitching movement and batter speed were both adversely impacted.

[OmahaBaseball]

February Player Development Report generated and my pitching staff is getting beat up with movement decreases.

[OmahaBaseball]

With the start of the 1905 MLB season fast approaching, preseason predictions are out. If the NL race turns out as predicted, it is going to be a special race between the Brooklyn Superbas and the New York Giants. With some recent equipment reconfiguarations and talk about getting the ball into the air, there may be a power display between Bill Joyce and Josh Clarke. On the mound, Ed Walsh is poised to have an award-winning caliber season.

[OmahaBaseball]

Similar to the NL race, the American League battle looks to be a fight between the Boston Americans and the Philadelphia Athletics. While there are several batters who look to have a great season, it appears that this is going to be a pitching-heavy year.

[OmahaBaseball]

Received report today regarding the success and failure of players who were put through the development complex. Have no idea what constitutes success or failure, and not finding anything meaningful when I look at player scouting reports.

Tom Fisher        Endurance Training   Successful
Solly Hofman      Gap Power            Successful
George Moriarty   Gap Power            Outstanding
Homer Smoot       Plate Discipline     No Improvement
Johnny Lush       Improve Control      Outstanding
Ralph Caldwell    Improve Control      Outstanding

[OmahaBaseball]

A quick look at how the teams fared during Spring Training this year. The Boston Americans posted the best overall record of 22-8. In the NL, the Beaneaters and the Giants shared the top spot with a 20-10 record.

[OmahaBaseball]

The 1905 regular season starts today and the Top-10 prospect list is out. Leading the way is Chicago White Sox rookie Ty Cobb. Boston Americans pitcher Ralph Caldwell and New York Giants catcher Branch Rickey round out the top 3 spots.

[OmahaBaseball]

A little surprised that Boston Americans team owner Kevin Kunz has set a fairly low bar for his expectations for the 1905 regular season. His aim is "that the team should play .500 ball." That seems easy enough...

[OmahaBaseball]

Opening day of the 1905 MLB season did not get off to a good start for the reigning champs. In a complete and devastating blow out, the Cleveland Naps (1-0) thumped the visiting Boston Americans (0-1) by a 14 to 6 score. The announced crowd of 10,197 fans had a grand time at the ballpark today! I really hate to see my defense commit 4 errors.

Cleveland pitcher Jake Weimer (1-0) was given the opening-day nod and while he may not have been as sharp as he would have liked, he picked up the victory after allowing 6 runs (4 earned) on 11 hits, 6 walks, 1 hit batsman, and 1 wild pitch in his complete game, 185-pitch effort; Game Score 44. For the Americans, Noodles Hahn was roughed up for 7 earned runs on 8 hits, 1 walk, and 2 wild pitches in 3 innings of play; Game Score 14. Sam Leever was called in to salvage the game but did not fare much better as he permitted 7 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits, 2 walks, and 1 wild pitch in 5 innings.

There was no shortage of offense for the Naps, as Ed Delahanty (2 for 4, 2 Doubles, 2 Runs, 3 RBIs, Sacrifice Fly), Lew Drill (2 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, Sacrifice Bunt), Harry Lumley (1 for 3, 3 Runs, 2 Walks), and Phil Lewis (2 for 5, Run, 3 RBIs) were especially noteworthy. The Americans were led by John Farrell (3 for 5, Double, Triple, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs), Chick Stahl (3 for 3, 2 Doubles, 2 Runs, RBI, Hit-by-Pitch), and Danny Shay (1 for 3, RBI, 2 Walks).

Player of the Game: Ed Delahanty

American League Standings: 1 GB, Tied 5th Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Great to see Johnny Lush start off the year with a respectable outing to lead his team to victory. On the day, the Boston Americans (1-1) bested the Cleveland Naps (1-1) by a 6 to 3 score.

Johnny Lush (1-0) picked up the win after permitting 3 earned runs on 9 hits, 5 walks, and 1 hit batsman, while striking out 8, in his 149-pitch outing; Game Score 60. Bill Donovan (0-1) was tagged with the loss after he allowed 6 runs (4 earned) on 11 hits, 5 walks, and 2 wild pitches in 8-innings of work; Game Score 39. John McMakin covered the final inning in a scoreless performance.

The Americans hit the ball tonight, led by Fred Clarke (3 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, 3 RBIs, Sacrifice Fly), John Farrell (2 for 5, Double, Triple, Run), and Danny Shay (3 for 5, Double, Run, RBI). Despite the loss, the Naps were getting runners on base, with Ed Delahanty (1 for 2, Homerun, Run, 2 RBIs, 2 Walks), Doc Gessler (1 for 2, Double, Run, Walk, 2 Stolen Bases), and Harry Lumley (1 for 4, Run, RBI, Walk, Stolen Base) playing well.

Player of the Game: Fred Clarke (Season: #1 / Career: #7)

American League Standings: 1 GB, Tied 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Not the best outing of his young professional career, but Boston rookie Ralph Caldwell did enough to lead his team to victory. On the day, the Boston Americans (2-1) outlasted the Cleveland Naps (1-2) by a 7 to 5 score.

Ralph Caldwell (1-0) picked up the win despite allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits, 2 walks, and a hit batsman while striking out 4 in his complete game outing; Game Score 53. Jim Buchanan (0-1) was tagged with the loss in his major league debut after serving up 6 earned runs on 11 hits and 1 walk in 7-innings of play; Game Score 32. John McMakin covered the final 2-innings in relief in which he permitted 1 earned run on 2 hits.

The ball was in play rather often today, with Frank Chance (2 for 4, Triple, 2 Runs, 3 RBIs, Walk, Stolen Base), Bill Lange (3 for 5, Run, 3 Stolen Bases), and Dave Brain (2 for 5, Run, RBI) leading the Americans, while Harry Lumley (3 for 5, Double, Run, 2 RBIs), Jake Beckley (2 for 4), and Jimmy Sheckard (1 for 3, Run, Walk, Stolen Base) played well for the Naps.

Player of the Game: Frank Chance (Season: #1 / Career: #12)

American League Standings: 1 GB, Tied 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

On a rainy evening before an announced crowd of 5,148 fans, it was another solid early-season road win for the Boston Americans (3-1) as they finished off the series with a 5 to 3 victory over the hometown Cleveland Naps (1-3).

Veteran pitcher Jesse Tannehill (1-0) picked up the win after allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6 in the 125-pitch complete game victory; Game Score 70. Jim Hughes (0-1) was saddled with the loss after serving up 5 earned runs on 13 hits, 5 walks, and 1 hit batsman; Game Score 37.

For the second consecutive game, Boston catcher Frank Chance (4 for 5, Triple, Run, 3 RBIs) had an outstanding game. Additionally, Chick Stahl (1 for 3, Triple, 2 Runs, 2 Walks), Fred Clarke (2 for 4, RBI, Walk), and Danny Shay (2 for 2, Run, Sacrifice Bunt, Hit-by-Pitch, Stolen Base) played well in victory. Jake Beckley (2 for 3, 2 Doubles, RBI) and Lew Drill (1 for 3, Run, Walk) had a solid night.

Player of the Game: Frank Chance (Season: #2 / Career: #13)

American League Standings: Tied 1st Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Opening night in Boston, and the crowd of 10,376 fans saw an active evening of offense for the teams. Picking up their 4th consecutive win, the Boston Americans (4-1) topped the visiting Detroit Tigers (3-2) by a 12 to 7 score.

While he is not yet showing his top-tier dominance, it was nice to have Noodles Hahn (1-1) pick up the win despite allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 8 hits and 4 walks in his 137-pitch outing; Game Score 45. Doc White (1-1) was tagged with the loss after he permitted 6 earned runs on 7 hits and 6 walks in just 4-innings of play; Game Score 19. Willie McGill tried to settle things down but ended up allowing 6 earned runs on 8 hits, 4 walks, and 1 wild pitch in 3 1/3 innings before Jim St. Vrain wrapped the game with 2/3 innings of scoreless ball.

The Americans had an active night at the plate, with Danny Shay (3 for 4, Double, Triple, 3 Runs, 2 RBIs, Walk), Bill Lange (2 for 3, 2 Doubles, Run, 2 RBIs, 2 Walks), Noodles Hahn (3 for 5, Run, 2 RBIs), and Jesse Hoffmeister (2 for 4, Triple, 2 Runs, RBI, Walk) coming up big. The Tigers were led by Mike Donlin (2 for 3, Triple, Run), Roger Bresnahan (2 for 4, Triple, Run, 2 RBIs), and Germany Schaefer (2 for 4, Triple, Run, RBI).

Player of the Game: Danny Shay (Season: #1 / Career: #2)

American League Standings: Tied 1st Place

[OmahaBaseball]

This is the type of performance that I have come to expect from pitcher Johnny Lush. In what turned out to be an outstanding outing for Lush, the Boston Americans (5-1) topped the Detroit Tigers (3-3) by a 4 to 0 score.

Picking up the win was Johnny Lush (2-0) who tossed the complete game shutout in which he permitted just 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman in his 95-pitch gem; Game Score 84. Veteran pitcher Kid Nichols (0-2) was burdened with the loss after allowing 4 earned runs on 7 hits, 2 walks, and a balk in 8-innings of play; Game Score 53.

While the offense was not as active as it has been in recent games, Boston was led by John Farrell (1 for 4, Run, Stolen Base), Johnny Lush (2 for 3, Run, Stolen Base), and Danny Shay (1 for 4, 2 Runs, RBI). Danny Fultz (2 for 4) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Johnny Lush (Season: #1 / Career: #23)

American League Standings: Tied 1st Place

[OmahaBaseball]

To the joy of the 7,985 fans in attendance, the win streak continues for the Boston Americans (6-1), as they bested the visiting Detroit Tigers (3-4) by a 5 to 3 score.

Promising Boston pitcher Ralph Caldwell (2-0) picked up the win by limiting the visitors to 3 earned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out a career high 12 batters in the 124-pitch complete game victory; Game Score 78. Tiger pitcher Bob Ewing (1-1) was tagged with the loss after serving up 5 earned runs on 11 hits and 2 walks in 8-innings of play; Game Score 42.

There were several fine contributions at the plate for the Americans, led by Frank Chance (3 for 4, Run, RBI, Stolen Base), Fred Clarke (2 for 3, Double, Run, Walk), and John Farrell (1 for 2, Run, RBI, Walk, Sacrifice Bunt). Detroit was led by Bob Ewing (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 3 RBIs) and Jim Delahanty (1 for 4, Triple).

Player of the Game: Ralph Caldwell (Season: #1 / Career: #2)

American League Standings: 1st Place (1-game lead)

[OmahaBaseball]

A nearly 45-minute rain delay didn't hamper the fine pitching duel of Jesse Tannehill and Jimmy Dygert. In the end though, the Boston Americans (7-1) extended their winning streak to 7 games with a 2 to 1 victory over the New York Highlanders (3-5).

In picking up the win, Jesse Tannehill (2-0) permitted just 1 earned run on 7 hits and 2 walks in the 146-pitch complete game victory; Game Score 71. Rookie Jimmy Dygert (1-1) kept pace for most of the game, as he allowed just 2 earned runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in the tough-luck defeat; Game Score 65.

While neither team necessarily crushed the ball today, there are a few notable performance to mention here. For Boston, pinch-hitter Jesse Hoffmeister (1 for 1, Homerun, Run, RBI) was the star with his game-winning blast, with teammates Solly Hofman (2 for 4, Walk, Stolen Base) and Jesse Tannehill (2 for 4) also providing value. The Highlanders were led by Claude Ritchey (2 for 4, RBI, Stolen Base) and Jimmy Collins (1 for 3, Walk).

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #1 / Career: #74)

American League Standings: 1st Place (1-game lead)

[OmahaBaseball]

The Americans struggled to mount any meaningful offense against New York ace Christy Mathewson, and the struggles of Noodles Hahn continued in a game that saw the New York Highlanders (4-5) thump the visiting Boston Americans (7-2) by a 7 to 3 score.

Christy Mathewson (2-1) cruised to the victory in a game that saw him permit 3 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits in the 110-pitch complete game win; Game Score 68. Noodles Hahn (1-2) was tagged with the loss after lasting just 3 2/3 innings in which he permitted 7 earned runs on 8 hits and 3 walks; Game Score 13. Harry Kane covered the final 4 1/3 innings in a scoreless appearance in which he allowed 2 hits, 2 walks, and 1 wild pitch. Hahn's ERA sits at a unacceptable 11.49 just 15 2/3 innings into the season.

The Highlanders were led at the plate by Jesse Burkett (3 for 4, 3 RBIs), Christy Mathewson (2 for 4, 2 Runs), and Otto Krueger (2 for 4, 2 RBIs). The Americans offense was generated by John Farrell (2 for 3, 2 Doubles, Run, RBI), Danny Shay (2 for 3, RBI), and Johnny Lush (1 for 4, Double, Run, RBI).

Player of the Game: Christy Mathewson

American League Standings: Tied 1st Place