The Topeka state journal., 1909-03-03
Colorado Town Will Make Bet.
ter Race Than Supposed.
Indians Got a Poor Start Last
Year But Finished. Strong.
ARE BUTFEW CHANGES
Matticks, Smith and Patterson
Are Only Missing Players.
Many Additions Will Add a Lot
of Strength to Team.

Pueblo, COL March 3.--AH the cities
represented in the Western League are
claiming pennant winners for this sea-
son. Pueblo with practically the same
team that made such a strong finish last
year, will be more in the race than the
others give it credit for. Last year at
the start Pueblo got off slow, and by
the time the team struck its gait, the
other teams had a gain in averages that
could not be overcome. The men that
will represent Pueblo this year are
practically the same. and profting by
the experience gained in playing to-
gether last year, they will make a bet
ter showing at the start. Several
changes of benefit to the team were
made after the season had opened last
year, Hogriever being added. His ad-
and his aggreSsiveneSs had much to do
with the many games annexed by the
Indians. -.,--..
Lineup the Same.
With the exception of Matticks, and
possibly Smith and Patterson, the Pu-
eblo lineup will be the same. Mite is
fully capable of holding down the back
stop position, his record last year being
good. Clark will be at his old stand
at first and reports that he is in per
feet condition. He was a factor to
winning games last year by his heavy
batting, and fast fielding. The second
base position has not been filled in the
event of Patterson leaving. Tay Ken
sci is the most likely man for the place,
he being a fast infielder, and a heavy
batter. Corhan will be at his old place
at shortstop. and every fan knows that
that position could not be strengthen
ed.
Just who will make up the outfeld
is undecided. Spencer will in all prob
ability be in the game again. He is
fast in the field. and batted good
game last season. Miller, who made
such a success in the change from the
pitching department to the outfield, |
fvrr oiy1i in fT1o hos 9
say that he will be a sensation in pitch |
ing If he once gets into condition, and
the directors are anxious to give him |
the trial. Matticks. the younger broth |
show there is to make good, and If he |
lives up to his reputation, and that of |
the family. his berth is secure.
Pitchers Look Good.
The pitching staff looks particularly |
good this year. Galgano, who, when !
he is right, is the hardest pitcher in |
the league to beat. will be with the |
Indians again. Nichols will try once
can make a go of it this time. He got |
off fine the first few games that he !
pitched. but weakened at the last of |
the season and was farmed out, to
Trinidad where he did good work Fitz- |
gerald. the ladies' day favorite, will !
wear a Pueblo uniform and everyone |
knows that "F'itz" has the goods when /
he wants to handle the pellet. Rusty |
a heady pitcher and is of immense value
to the team. His performances on the
coaching line earn him his salary if he
did no other work. Rusty can work
in the infleld If necessary, playing a
good game on the bases. Although |
James is slow in accepting the Pueblo
contract, the opinion is that he will be
here for the training season. He is one
of the best pitchers in the Western
League, and Pueblo would feel his loss
keenly. Sewer, the new pitcher pur-
chased with Kensel from Oskaloosa, is
said to be world beater and his berth
on the regular staff is practically Sc
cure. The new pitcher signed, Reuter-,
the Hawaiian. is well spoken of and VIII |
doubtless make a good showing. With |
Miller added to these pitchers it looks
as If that department will not be the
weak one on the team. Several new
men will be given q chance, and If they
have anything they viii be kept with
the regulars. .
AS there have been no serious cases
OF holding out by the players. the con-
tracts should be coming back soon.
Corhan figured that he was worth more
money than he was offered, but the di-
rectors feel sure they can settle any
difficulty in that line.
The men have been ordered to re-
port for spring practice March g. CIV
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