Mutual won the championship relatively easily in my 1871 simulation, and looks geared up for another title run this season. They signed several available top players to go along with their star-laden lineup from last season, so they'll be difficult to beat.
P - George Zettlein - Just as he was historically, Zettlein was one of the better pitchers of 1871 in the simulation. As a result, Mutual hired him to pitch for the year. Historically, Zettlein pitched for Haymaker and Eckford in 1872, while Mutual used Candy Cummings, reputedly the inventor of the curveball.
C - Dick Higham - A .299 hitter in 1871, he's back as a starter for New York this season.
1B - Cap Anson - Young Adrian Anson was signed from Rockford, which was something of a surprise since Mutual already has star first baseman Joe Start. They will probably split playing time this season.
2B - John Hatfield - A .337 hitter in 1871 who nearly won the Most Valuable Player award. IF he can continue at anywhere near that pace Mutual is in good shape.
3B - Bob Ferguson - Death To Flying Things hit a solid .300 in 1871.
SS - Dickey Pearce - A great-fielding shortstop (after all, he invented the position), but he is 36 years old, so if Mutual has a weakness on the infield it's here.
LF - Steve King - Came over from Troy in the first-ever trade of players, and was an MVP candidate in New York. Look for him to continue to be one of the NA's best hitters.
CF - Dave Eggler - A good fielder, and the first player ever to hit for the cycle in my simulation, but he hit only .183 in 1871.
RF - Charlie Mills - Hit .333 in part-time duty with Mutual last season.
This club simply does not have many (if any) weaknesses. They even have a couple outstanding players (Joe Start and Jim Foran) as utility players. It's hard to imagine any team toppling them in 1872.
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