Spring Training

The four teams have just completed spring training, assessing their talent after the biggest player shakeup in league history. I've run a few preseason games and already we have some intriguing highlights and storylines to consider prior to the start of Season 5...

• The Haymakers' slugging right fielder, Sam Thompson, was the runner-up for the Player MVP in Season 4. He suffered an injury early in spring training, and although he'll be back in time to start the regular season, his absence has underscored just how thin the Haymakers' lineup has become. 
• The lack of a solid cleanup hitter was especially painful for Cap Anson, who precedes Thompson in the Haymakers' usual lineup. Anson was absolutely locked in during our preseason action -- reaching base in all five of his at bats -- but came around to score only once.
• The Resolutes' best player thus far has been hard-luck pitcher John Clarkson. The former MVP tossed three scoreless frames and, notably, was the only Resolutes hurler who did not allow at least one run.
• Speaking of pitchers, we saw standout springtime performances from Mickey Welch (Haymakers), Cy Young (Haymakers), Kid Nichols (Canaries), Joe McGinnity (Canaries), and Pud Galvin (Blue Legs), but the Canaries' Tim Keefe utterly dominated, retiring all nine batters he faced. If their ace is in top form, the Canaries will be really tough to beat as they seek to defend their championship.
• My favorite spring training highlight was when Canaries star Honus Wagner homered off of the Blue Legs' Vic Willis in the twelfth inning of their preseason matchup. Wagner's shot was the only homer of the spring.

Opening Day is next!