The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-27
REVIEW OF THE DOPE
FOR COMING SEASON

though not the most brilliqt On short
Bill Oyler, who led the lease In fielding
his position last season, Willie returned
Oyler is expected to be eNn a more
valuable and more spectacular player
this season. Montgomery vii again be
stationed on third, and on hat bag
Monte" has become well auuainted
with his surroundings. Time MS when
the expediency of placing him u third
was doubted. but by hard work tn, faith
full and skillful player has show, that
he is thoroughly capable.
Smith Will Return.
In the outfield for certainties, Brnlng-
ham has Smith, Wordsworth and Grid
ner. Gardner Is fast and experienced,
and will be one of the leagues HARDEST
htters. He was formerly with Mon
son starred In the Cotton States. Carlo
Smith in a letter to the sporting edition
of The Age-Herald yesterday, declared
that he was looking forward to the openx
ing of the season. and that he was GER
tain to return. Thus. 1t is seen that
Jackson's effort to acquire the right
fielder was frustrated, and that he will
return contented and in good spirits
Horseshoe" is one of the valuable men
in the south. As concerns Gear, little
is positively known. There may be a
probability that Vaughn will not see fit
to sign him. Gear is one of the head
lest" men in the game. and his advice
and experience were Invaluable during
last seasons pennant race.
In spite of the fact that Birmingham
could commence playing today. Manager
Vaughn is not sleeping, 1t is probable
that news of others brought into the fold
will be learned within few days,
Atlanta and Memphis.
4. ka
derstood that the teams are written of
as they are today, when, in fact, the
several men signed make in the aggre-
gate simply nucleus. 1t Is very proba-
BILE indeed, that when the big leagues
come through the south stars might be
dropped into Dixie camps that Will rem
der the gossip at present of no value.
1t must be remembered, too, that the
teams are spoken of with little atten-
ton paid to the players drafted from
minor leagues, for, of course, their fu-
ture successes are unknown.
At present however, after Birming'
ham, Atlanta and Memphis stand su.
preme.
Atlanta is weak in the catching depart
ment, for although Smith is valuable, he
is not James Archer. On first and sec
ond Atlanta Is represented by excellent
men, Fox and Jordan, and, judging from
the price paid Cincinnati for Jim Dyer
(s170O) it seems that third is well looked
after, too. Castro is excellent on short.
In the infield, therefore, Atlanta is just
as good as any other Castro and Jordan.
the one of a sensitive temperament, and
the other a veteran kiclver and umpire
batter, might throw away games enough,
however, to block the chances for the
rag.
The Boosters Stronger.
In the pitching department Atlanta Is
at present weak, Zeller being the only
real capable man. In the outfleld Atlanta
is not strong. Paskert and Becker are
unknown, and George Winters has seen
his better days.
If Babb was in charge OF Atlanta Bir-
mingham would be given a great fight
for the pennant. In Memphis, however,
Babb will probably not be so very much
in the way, because on paper 1t looks as
If Atlanta Is the stronger of the two.
Memphis has Owens and Hurlburt be-
hind the bat. On first Carey is of little
value. and Ratehford is untried. Plass
and Smith are playing second, and
neither is star. On third Babbi Is put
ting confidence in a youngster. Richards,
of whom little is known; Babb himself
VIII care for short, and IL IS needless TO
say that that position will be well kept.
in Ratchford and Richards. Suggs Is
Babb's best pitcher, and everybody
knows Suggs. Thiel and Carter, of the
old guard, are retained in the outfeld.
Montgomery and New Orleans.
New Orleans, at this writing, cannot be
finished in the first division, but still, on
account Of the ability and Frank, II is
predicted that there the Pelicans will end
the season. Behind the bat Frank has
Stratton only, and "Stratton only" means
little O'Brien is weak on first, and
Cargo might not be returned to cover
second, Atz is good at short though Atz
is no hitter and not at all desirable
man. Brouthers will star at third, both
in fielding and with the blunt instru-
ment. Frank has string of capable
pitchers Breitenstein, Guese. Phillips,
Manuel an dothers will be on the re-
served list of the old guard. Rickert,
Blake and Bird are the outfielders, the
last named having already been recalled
from Little Rock. Blake and Bird are
fast, all right, but neither ever touched
one of Wilhelm's "spit-balls."
In the outfield, Montgomery in Houtz,
ApperiousA and Mccain is but trihe
weaker than is Birmingham. The three
are godo, very good. Hansen and Ander-
son are capable men behind the bat, and
Perry, If he repeats his performances Of
last season on third. will star at second
Busch has numerous defects, but is now
a trim shortstop. Connors is excelently
by the Hudson River COM
oany, with which last season he was. 1t
8 understood. however, that Dallas also
claims Connors. Maxwell and Malarky
will be the leading twirlers. If Maxwel's
arm has not been injured beyond repair
All in ALL Montgomery looks good, but
here Is something that always keeps the
Pretzels out of the faster company.
Helping the Weak.
Manager Dobbs and Manager Finn are
confident that Nashville and Little Rock
will be in the running next season. In the
)utfield, Nashville in Pearson Wiseman
and Dobbs IL strong enough. For pitchers
Nashville has Bill Sorrell and the two
ougan lads, trio which promises much.
Wells, the youngster of last season, 10
'etained behind the bat. Frary is of lit
lie strength at first while lansing is
Ill at third, Morse VIII help things at
hort. Hackatt is unknown.
Little Rock has signed a long string
IF pitchers, numbering thirteen. Buchan-
IAN, whom Finn stole from Nashville;
3rady, Keith and others are good. Doug
ass is a tower of strength on first, and
Johnston is excellent at short, or any
where else, for that matter. Lake is said
o be conner behind the bat. 1t will be
'een by referring to the list above that
here are other capable men signed up.
Fisher is booming things at Shreveport.