The All-Cranky Team. While Tinker to Evers to Chance sounds poetic, the boys disliked each other and went years without talking. Ed Delahanty was as ornery as they come. Roger Breshnehan loathed McGraw. During his era the term McGrawism came to indicate the unrelenting berating of the umpires. In one game McGraw was hit with pitched balls five times and the umpire refused to let him take a base even once.
What could work: John McGraw managed the New York Giants for 30 years. He was aggressive, often leading the league in stolen bases. The Mashers cut some of their speed merchants but still have a squad that will likely lead the league in stolen bases. If the subs-for-speed (Hunter and Justice) come through, the squad will be a great small-ball team. The pitching is solid with the domination of Koufax, the extreme accuracy of Robin Roberts, the spitball-fastball of Red Faber and the quiet consistency of Kevin Appier.
What could fail: Small ball. The Municipal League is built more for managers like Earl Weaver (three-run home-runs) than aggressive slap hitters. While the squad will win its share of close contests, they also find themselves in some real lopsided losses. That said, the parks in this division (when the wind is blowing in at Wrigley), are all good for small ball. That should help in the head-to-head contests. Does the computer consider team chemistry?
Result: 84-78. In an 1894 game, John McGraw started a fistfight with a Boston player. The fight spilled into the stands, fire broke out, and the entire Boston ballpark, along with 170 neighborhood buildings went up in flames.
No comments:
Post a Comment