June 25, 1906 – by Ronald Schmidt
Since this season, Philadelphia Brewers General Manager Martin Pitsch has faced more challenges by fielding a complete team of prospects rather than having a bunch of worn-out reservists. Philadelphia could sign three players for this draft in the first two rounds. In late November 1905, Philadelphia sent Junius Bembridge on a train to Brooklyn. The thank you came as a second-round draft pick which meant that the Brewers drafted on positions 15, 31, 32, and 47. The Gazette will analyze these players.
SS Marty Harris
Most promising prospects were sluggers, so the Brewers knew that signing a high-profile starter would be nearly impossible. Philadelphia’s pitching staff is the oldest in the LBL. The average age of 34.90 is held up by Bradley Miller (40 years old) and Danny Edgerton (39 years old). While there is no urgent need for position players, even after McKenzie’s long-term injury, the Langhorn Goats need more depth. After the wishlist drastically shrunk after the first fourteen picks, Marty Harris was the top choice for one of the critical areas: middle-infield.
Although Alfred Gilling is a defensive wizard, his bat is in its second silent year. George Singleton remains Troy Bujak’s first choice on shortstop, especially after a comeback season in 1905. Singleton may have the most errors among the LBL shortstops, but he can at least prevent many balls from reaching the outfield. His inconsistency and his attitude made him a trade candidate after 1907 when his guaranteed $16,000 deal runs out.
By then, the Brewers hope Harris can sit on the bench in Boeselager stadium. The 19-year-old had a fantastic year at Western Beaver High School in Industry, PA. In 26 games, he was .521/.565 with 34 RBI. “Pitchers will face a stubborn batter,” Langhorn Goats manager William Marshall commented. “We will primarily start him as a shortstop, but he has some experience as a second and third baseman and an outfielder.”
Harris, who grew up in Galloway, PA, had an excellent first week with the Goats. At bat, he was 8-for-21 with three RBI, two walks, and one strikeout.
CF Otis Atkinson & Godfrey Gray
The Brewers’ centerfield position is certainly not in desperate need of new players. Enrique Johnson (28 years old) will likely remain the starting centerfielder for many years. But the Langhorn Goats lacked a centerfielder when Bembridge joined the Whales. In the offseason, Pitsch signed veteran Alfonso Thompson to become the team captain of the younglings. Currently, he is the only centerfielder. So the plan was to add some depth to this position.
Pitsch chose Otis Atkinson and Godfrey Gray for his 31st and 32nd pick after other teams picked George Hill, John Morris, and Joseph Watson. “Drafting late forces us to scout players many other teams might overlook. Mr. Hocking confirmed that Atkinson and Gray were the dark horses in the draft pool for centerfielders,” the general manager stated. “Both will work hard to get a chance in the majors.”
2B Joseph Godfrey
The Brewers’ third-round pick has the same defensive profile as Marty Harris. Both can play all infield positions and left and right field, while Harris is more capable with the bat. Another reason why Godfrey wasn’t picked earlier is his personality.
According to a few of former teammates from his school in Kentucky, Godfrey has lots of talent, but he doesn’t put a lot of effort into practice and sometimes prefers to not get dirty. It’s up to the Langhorn staff to make him work for a good salary.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Brewers had some drafted some good players, considering their late involvement. If the players develop well, their general manager might not have to spend much on the free agent market to replace aging players in the lineup. In a few years, the new infield could be Featherstone, Godfrey, Harris, and Butler instead of McKenzie, Gilling, Singleton, and Stapleton.
The lack of pitchers hinders the proper development of a pitching staff and this is where a few dimes will end up soon. Miller and Edgerton might have another season or two to offer and even if Pitsch had drafted a proper starter, the prospect wouldn’t be ready in time.