Troy Bujak and Martin Pitsch reviewed their opening day options in the manager’s office. Unfortunately, the offseason wasn’t as pleasant as the Brewers’ leadership hoped, but the roster would still be strong enough to compete for the division title.
A knock on the door interrupted the deep conversation. Pitsch and Bujak looked up, and the latter responded with a firm “Come in!”. A second later, Danny Edgerton opened the door.
“Mr. Bujak, Mr. Pitsch, I’m sorry to interrupt.”
“Danny, you will never interrupt us. And we told you before; it’s Martin and Troy,” Bujak corrected Edgerton. “But go on. What can I do for you?”
Edgerton hesitated. “I’m 40 years old and pitched over 400 games. It’s time to step back.” The general manager massaged his forehead, which Edgerton noticed. “Don’t worry. I will give everything I got in 1907.”
“You’re old enough, Danny,” Pitsch commented on the news. “You deserve to step down the way you want.”
“Thank you. I hope to get us one more Legacy Cup.” Then he turned around and left the office. Pitsch and Bujak exchanged a look. Both knew that this was coming. They talked with Edgerton before about potential signings for the pitching staff and that he might move to the bullpen. Edgerton, a true professional, accepted the decision. Next year, the Brewers would have an additional $15,000 to spend on the payroll, and a starting pitcher is high on the list.
“I guess that’s something for 1908,” Pitsch broke the silence. “Let’s look at our roster one more time.”
Additions
Philadelphia wasn’t pleased with the free agent market. Many teams had a lot of cash to spend, and the players appeared greedy. Alfred Gilling’s poor offensive year and George Singleton’s disappointing season forced the Brewers to actively seek support for the middle infield.
Shortstop Charles Greenhall signed on October 17th, 1906. The 34-year-old won’t stop as many balls that come low between second and third base, but he is less error-prone than George Singleton.
Another big target was second-baseman Wallace Green. The Brewers’ contract offer was the best on Green’s table for weeks. Then out of the blue, the Cleveland Athletics offered $40,000, and Green signed instantly.
Possible starters
SP – Stephen Millington
SP – Lambert Holmes
SP – Danny Edgerton
SP – Bradley Miller
RP – Leonard Kindall
RP – Arthur Haddow
Pitching Coach David Moore will handle the same players as in 1906. The aging staff will need a rebuild, though. Edgerton’s retirement in 1908 will put pressure on the general manager. Bradley Miller’s role in 1908 is more than questionable. Unfortunately, no suitable prospect is available, so free agency or trades must fix the problem.
The only potential move throughout the season is a call-up for Leonard Kindall: 43-year-old Seamus Maynard or 20-year-old current starter Winfield Clark.
C – Charles Ayscue
Charles Ayscue is the undisputed starting catcher. Ayscue has always been the better catcher, and Stilgoe’s deteriorating offense made the decision easy for Bujak.
1B – Leo McKenzie
After his injury, Leo McKenzie is eager to get back on the field. Once he recovered, McKenzie was back training sprints and swinging the bat in his backyard. However, McKenzie’s offense must function, or Lionel Lyon will happily step in. And even if Lyon finds a new club, two talented first basemen in Langhorn are eager for the call.
2B – Alfred Gilling
Despite Gilling’s talented glove, which remained in the shadow due to Lyon’s enormous range in 1906, his starting spot isn’t as sure as it used to be. Gilling will have to step up offensively and maintain an efficient glove, or Eddie Bankhead will see more time on the field.
3B – Moriarty Stapleton
Stapleton’s offense suffered in 1906. Although he had 52 RBI, which positioned him among the top players, he needed 24 games less for 50 RBIs in 1905. He will have to set things right, or Paul Butler, a much more capable glove on third base, will get the call.
SS – Charles Greenhall
The Brewers hoped for a younger option, but Charles Greenhall is the perfect choice to allow a smooth development of Marty Harris. Greenhall’s backup will be Robert Dibb, not George Singleton.
LF – Ray Faulkner
The surprise signing of 1906 will stay in the lineup. Faulkner excelled defensively and offensively, and the Boeselager creatures will demand no less.
CF – Enrique Johnson
The 29-year-old switch hitter enters his fifth year with the Brewers. The strange mix of good defense, speed, and power-hitting leaves no doubt about who will start in center field.
RF – Mose Rylance / John Walshaw
After Mose Rylance lost his starter role to Ray Faulkner, he moved to right field. Here, he shares duties with John Walshaw. Last season, the team succeeded in starting Walshaw against lefties and Rylance against righties. As a result, the duo had a combined .280 BA in 1906. Most likely, Troy Bujak will continue with this strategy.
Prediction
Other teams in the Eastern League did their homework and strengthened their squads significantly. The Brewers made it clear that the goal is the division title first. An improved Richmond, slowly emerging Bakers, and Baltimore, led by former Brewers manager Ronnie Arrington, will cause headaches.
George Singleton’s demotion to Langhorn, Lyon’s return to the bench, and Paul Butler not taking over from Stapleton will decrease the defensive quality. A rotation full of groundball pitchers needs a good infield behind them. Currently, the coaches have doubts that the gloves are good enough.
But, at the same time, management can’t ignore the word rebuild that is slowly approaching. Philadelphia has the oldest roster in the LBL. McKenzie, Stapleton, Lyon, Kindall, Holmes, Miller, and Edgerton are 35 and older.
A drink
“Don’t forget that you have a lot of players you can call up,” Pitsch reminded Bujak. “If the Greenhall experiment doesn’t work out, we can bring back Singleton. If Moriarty struggles at the plate, we can call up Paul Butler and have a better defensive third baseman. Rusty, Clark, Cockerell, Maynard, Featherstone. All of them can fill in.”
“I believe we will make use of some of them.” Bujak opened a drawer and placed two glasses on the desk. “Let’s call it a day. I got this whiskey as a birthday gift.” Bujak poured the golden liquid into both glass cups. “It’s going to be difficult. But the motivation is as high as never before. Let’s get Danny a parting trophy.”