The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-03-24
1t Is Believed That Lister VIII
Hit About .250
VALUE OF TURNER GROWS
MORE AND MORE DISTINCT
Mite VIII Be More Valuable ala Utility
Man Than Notwithstanding of
the Team, as Well as
Players and Prospects.
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS.

Inc rams DelleVe, and the players think,
themselves, that the Baron aggregation
this season will be % per cent stronger
than that of last year. This means, in
case the Indications materialize, that Bir-
mingham will make a great race for the
rag, that the trophy, indeed, in case tho
other teams are correspondingly no
stronger than last season, Will be landed.
The back field is certainly stronger.
Meeks outfits Matthews, throws better,
receives better, and is better In every
way Garvin's value is assured. About
Lister, the doubt that he might not hit
as hard as he should is fast oozing away.
He is expected to land about the $50
mark. In spite of the fact that he
hit only about .21S last season, 1t Is known
from authentic sources that he paced
along the 400 mark for the first half. 1t
is said that something occurred which In
jured the sensitive nature of the first
baseman, and that afterwards he never
smashed the ball with any heart or cour-
age. This season he is all right, and that
he will hit about $50 or better Is the
general belief of the players. 1t is UNI
necessary to question the ability of Lew
Walters. There is no better infielder in
the league Lew states. too, that he has
a bunch that he will hit harder this sea-
son than ever before, but IL he hits. 1t Is
a certainty that Birmingham will lose
him. oyler states that he is certain of
improving his record this season. He
thinks he will cover more territory even
than last. Montgomery stated yesterday
afternoon that he expected this to be his
best season, as for the first time In years
he has got all the rheumatism out of his
system, Montgomery right now Is
troubled with bad eye brought about by
his recent illness, but this ailment is fas.
disappearing.
In the OutfieId.
In the outfield, Smith, Molesworth and
Gardner make q bunch of gardeners SUI
perb, better than last season, when Gear
covered left. Molesworth's only handi-
cap is weak throwing wing, but this
trouble Is expected to be overcome par
TALLY. He Is taking good care of him
self, and judging from the improvement
of last season, great things for the better
are anticipated. Gardner has but one
trouble. He finds 1t difficult to turn his
face from the grandstand and run back
on flies. He is working hard however,
and with the assistance Of Captain Moles-
worth, Is expected to overcome that little
trouble.
Raglan is expected to be the star twirler
of the league this season. He was SUI
perb last year, in spite of the fact that
he had hardly recovered from the serious
illness Of the year previous. He, Wilhelm
and Clark may be counted upon to win
two-thirds of their games. 1t is a prac-
teal certainty that Turner will be the
fourth member of the staff. The youngstef
is quite a favorite, and the old players
believe he will make god. Once upon
time Turner defeated Boston to 0, and
for cine Innings gave Detroit no hit. Will
helm told stories to that effect yesterday.
In addition to his twlrling ability. Tur-
ner hits hard and runs bases like q
deer.
Mite or Acock.
1t begins to appear as though Vaughn
will be unable to wisely release Mite.
He is a good all around man, catches
WELL plays any infleld position and Is will
ing to receive instruction. The race Is
between Mite and Alcock, and candidly,
in spite Of the interest and belief in AL
cock, the other is the more valuable man.
Alcock has ability beyond question. bu
finds the holding of his head at critical
times impossible, and Is said to think too
we'll of the stock of goods in his shop.
The older players state that he receives
their advice unwillingly. However, he has
his value, and often orawls up to the
stick and hits when hit is sorely need
ed. &c. all in all. Vaughn will have diff
ffculty In choosing between the two. The
fans want Mite, however In spite of the
fact that parting with Alcock will come
hard.
The players are anticipating the race for
the pennant with great deal of pleas
ure. They are working hard and care
fully They are imbued with a spirit of
confidence and determination to give
up their best services. This would indi-
cate another great season, with Birming-
ham trailing right along with the leaders.