Thursday, May 24, 2007

March 30th, 1934 - The 1934 Philadelphia A's

The 1934 Philadelphia A's are a shadow of their recent selves. Having won the World Series in 1929 and 1930, and the AL pennant in 1931, the A's have been slowly sliding, and would reach fifth place in 1934 with a record of 68-82. They still have Jimmie Foxx (1b). Bob Johnson (of) and Pinky Higgins (3b) also provide solid hitting. Their starting pitching, however, is mediocre. George Caster, a reliever, is their best pitcher in 1934. Connie Mack is still managing after 34 years. Even more amazingly, he's got another 16 to go before he hangs it up after the 1950 season. Still, the A's slide will continue. Next year, they'll drop to 8th and will not do better than 7th for the rest of the decade.

March 28th, 1934 - Injury News

Maranville Breaks Leg in Exhibition Game

The Boston Braves suffered a blow today when their second baseman, 42 year old veteran Rabbit Maranville, broke his leg in an exhibition game with the New York Yankees today. Despite his age, Maranville has shown no sign of slowing down in recent years, finishing in the top 20 for league MVP in each of the past three seasons. The effort with which he has played the game since coming up with the Braves in 1912 was on display in the dramatic collision with Yankee catcher Norman Kies on a double steal. Doctors are doubtful that Maranville can return to baseball this season.

March 26th, 1934 - The 1934 Philadelphia Phillies

"At least we're better than the Reds," should have been the motto of the 7th place, 56-93 Phils. In 1934, outfielder Johnny Moore provides what offense exists, and the Phils will always have a chance when Curt Davis starts. Euel Moore and Phill Collins are also good starters. Reliever Syl Johnson rounds out what is good about the Phils pitching staff, however, meaning the the Phils managers have a lot of tough decisions when deciding whether to yank one of those pitchers for a pinch hitter. The best Phils year of the 1930s came in 1932, when they finished fourth. For the rest of the decade, they finished seventh or eighth place ever year.

March 24th, 1934 - Transactions

Cards Swap Giants Watkins for Davis

The St. Louis Cardinals and New York Giants traded regular outfielders today, with the Redbirds sending George Watkins to the Polo Grounds in exchange for George "Kiddo" Davis. Davis hit .258 in 126 games for New York while Watkins hit .278 in 138 games.

March 10th, 1934 - Transactions

Catcher Ruel Signed by Chi Sox

The Chicago White Sox have signed catcher "Muddy Ruel" to a contract for the 1934 baseball season. The veteran catcher has played for the St. Louis Browns, the Detroit Tigers, the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Senators in his 19 year major league career. Last season Ruel played in 36 games for the Browns, hitting only .190. Ruel is best known for scoring the winning run in the bottom of the 12th inning at Griffith Stadium to give Washington their only World Series victory.

March 5th, 1934 - Transactions

Reds Puchase Brennan Contract from Yankees

The Cincinnati Reds have purchased the contract of Don Brennan from the New York Yankees. Last season, Brennan was a 29 year old rookie pitcher for the Yanks, going 5-1 with an ERA of 4.98.