It’s time for the second article in our series of the best fantasy teams decade by decade. Be sure to leave some comments below if you disagree with me to stir up some good ole’ baseball banter.
Catcher: Art Wilson (1914, Whales)
78 R, 10 HR, 64 RBI, 13 SB, .291 AVG
Catcher: Chief Meyers (1912, Giants)
60 R, 6 HR, 54 RBI, 8 SB, .358 AVG
Analysis: There were three catchers that were tough to choose from, but ultimately I had to leave Steve O’Neill (1920, Indians) out of the equation. Wilson doesn’t hit for the best average in this era, but he brings the whole package, and is easily comparable to Russell Martin. Meyers makes up for the lack of batting average with Wilson, but doesn’t bring the same offense as Wilson.
First Base: George Sisler (1920, Browns)
137 R, 19 HR, 122 RBI, 42 SB, .407 AVG
Analysis: Sisler is one of the greatest hitters of all time; there is no argument here unless you choose any of his other seasons. One of the best power hitters of his time, Sisler also hit for a tremendous average. Keep an eye out for him in the future.
Second Base: Rogers Hornsby (1920, Cardinals)
96 R, 9 HR, 94 RBI, 12 SB, .370 AVG
Analysis: If a middle infielder spot wasn’t available, this would be a very tough decision. It’s hard to follow up George Sisler, but this has got to be the best stat line of the second basemen for this decade.
Third Base: Heinie Zimmerman (1912, Cubs)
95 R, 14 HR, 99 RBI, 23 SB, .372 AVG
Analysis: Third base was the toughest to choose from, but I decided to go with Zimmerman over Frank Baker because he finished in 6th in MVP voting, which is one spot before Baker. Zimmerman brings the entire package, and is one of the few hitters of his era with double digit home runs.
Shortstop: Honus Wagner (1912, Pirates)
91 R, 7 HR, 102 RBI, 26 SB, .324 AVG
Analysis: This is Wagner’s second consecutive week appearing as the best short stop. Another player that contributes in every category, The Flying Dutchman, is one of the best short stops in the history of baseball.
Outfield: Babe Ruth (1920, Yankees)
158 R, 54 HR, 137 RBI, 14 SB, .376 AVG
Analysis: 1920 was Ruth’s first season with the Yankees, and boy was he good. He’s just the first of many good outfielders in this decade.
Outfield: Ty Cobb (1911, Tigers)
147 R, 8 HR, 127 RBI, 83 SB, .420 AVG
Analysis: Look at the stats; enough said.
Outfield: Tris Speaker (1912, Red Sox)
136 R, 10 HR, 90 RBI, 52 SB, .383 AVG
Analysis: Speaker was the 1912 MVP, and looking at the other 1912 season on this list, it was very tough competition. Some argue that he was better than Cobb overall because of his defense, but Cobb’s offense was superior in this case.
Outfield: Shoeless Joe Jackson (1911, Naps)
126 R, 7 HR, 83 RBI, 41 SB, .408 AVG
Analysis: It’s hard to leave a guy off the list who hits .400, regardless of the Black Sox scandal.
Outfield: Benny Kauff (1914, Hoosiers)
120 R, 8 HR, 95 RBI, 75 SB, .370 AVG
Analysis: Most people haven’t heard of Kauff because he only played five seasons with over 130 at-bats, but when he did play he was fantastic. Not only did he hit for a great average, but when he got on base he was able to steal. It’s hard for me to choose anyone else here.
Middle Infielder: Eddie Collins (1912, Athletics)
137 R, 0 HR, 64 RBI, 63 SB, .348 AVG
Corner Infielder: Frank Baker (1914, Athletics)
116 R, 10 HR, 130 RBI, 40 SB, .347 AVG
Utility: Baby Doll Jacobson (1920, Browns)
97 R, 9 HR, 122 RBI, 11 SB, .355 AVG
Analysis: All three of these guys were tough to eliminate from their primary position, but each was deserving of a spot. Not only does Baby Doll (real name is William) have a great name, but he was a contributor across the board.
Pitcher: Pete Alexander (1915, Phillies)
31 W, 3 SV, 241 K, 1.22 ERA, .842 WHIP
Pitcher: Walter Johnson (1913, Senators)
36 W, 2 SV, 243 K, 1.14 ERA, .780 WHIP
Pitcher: Claude Hendrix (1914, Whales)
29 W, 5 SV, 189 K, 1.69 ERA, .936 WHIP
Pitcher: Dave Davenport (1915, Terriers)
22 W, 1 SV, 229 K, 2.20 ERA, 1.008 WHIP
Pitcher: Eddie Cicotte (1917, White Sox)
28 W, 4 SV, 150 K, 1.53 ERA, .912 WHIP
Pitcher: Hippo Vaughn (1918, Cubs)
22 W, 0 SV, 148 K, 1.74 ERA, 1.006 WHIP
Pitcher: Joe Wood (1912, Red Sox)
34 W, 1 SV, 258 K, 1.91 ERA, 1.015 WHIP
Pitcher: Ed Walsh (1912, White Sox)
27 W, 10 SV, 254 K, 2.15 ERA, 1.084 WHIP
Analysis: The pitchers were much easier to choose than the hitters, but I’m sure someone has a bone to pick with me here. I’m pretty sure that Walter Johnson would be a #1 overall pick these days, regardless of holding off on pitchers. It would have been tough to leave another great name off this list, like Hippo.
Overall, this team was much harder to choose than last week’s, so I think it should make for an interesting debate. I’m not sure if there will be much disagreement on which players I used, but rather which season I used. There are quite a few guys on this list who repeated, and many that will return for next week. Don’t hesitate to let me hear it in the comments section below!
Trackback(0)

|