Читать книгу Bad Boys, Bad Times. The Cleveland Indians and Baseball in the Prewar Years, 1937–1941 онлайн

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The Solters-for-Vosmik part of the trade drew plenty of criticism from the Cleveland fans and several of the sportswriters. Ed Bang of the Cleveland News believed trading Joe was a significant error on the part of Cy Slapnicka. Vosmik made the All-Star team in 1935, leading the American League in three different categories. His .348 batting average left him one point short of the title. But he had had a mediocre season in 1936, prompting Slapnicka to reckon his left fielder was on the down side. Many fans complained to the newspapers, believing Moose Solters, a middle-of-the-road player, could not replace the Cleveland-born Vosmik.

Lyn Lary had had some good seasons with Yankees, but the Indians were now his fifth team in the American League. He could steal some bases and cover a lot of ground defensively, but his batting average had declined on a yearly basis. Bill Knickerbocker had won the Cleveland shortstop job in 1933 and held it over four seasons. His play could be termed steady yet lacking in any superior skills. The Indians front office thought some new blood on the team might spur them along. The trade inspired headlines throughout the country, yet the probability of Solters and Lary leading the team to the pennant seemed remote.