The biggest stories of the off season were undoudtably the ballot-controversy,
which remains partially unresolved, the the defection of Doc Willis over to the
Federal Corkball League. Doc Willis, you might say was the founder and early
influence of the Players League. Jack Brinckwirth, who came over from the Fed
after year 4, took over the leadership of the Players League when the trade was
made. In exchange for Doc Willis, the Players League received the services of
Skoot Bayer, winner of the Eddie Cicotte award, World Series MVP, All Star
series MVP, and the Happy Felsch award. The Players League also got in return
Chente Salinas, the hot hitting rookie of the year, and rights to Ryan "Marquis'
de Pontier, one of the best hitters in the Cambrian League, and one of the best
catchers in the league. In addition to Doc Willis, the Fed picked up Nate
Borne, a five year veteran of the game. Whereas "Sweet" Lou Brinckwirth,
Chairman of the Fed, will share leadership with Doc Willis duiring the world
series, who will share leadership with Jack Brinckwirth is still uncertain. Kyd
Hasket and Skoot Bayer are the most likely candidates. What also remains in
question is whether or not the Players League pitching, aside from Skoot Bayer,
will be able to keep the Fed's big bats in check. So far this year, while the
Players League has struggled offensively, Doc Willis, Lou Brinckwirth, Nate
Borne have punished pitching. From the perspective of the Federal Leagues,the
trade looks great.