The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-04
THE LOOKOUTS ARE
 WEAK WITH THE BAT

Chattanooga, April 3.-(Specia1) If the aggregation of juvenile speed mer- chants which have been corralled by Manager William Billy smith as rep resentatiyes of Chattanooga in the 1912 quest of the Southern league bunting can 6N their youthful eyes more firm | 1y and accurately upon the elusive horsehide it is not idle exaggeration to say that they will be in the race for the bunting from the crack of the gun unto taps.
 In the ante-season games against the Reds, Tigers. Blsons and Giants the lads have demonstrated beyond the shadow of a doubt that they can field, run the sacks and perform at every phase of the defensive game in a highly acceptable sLanner On the offense, however, their willows have at times been painfully silent.
 The receiving department shows un- deniable class. McDonough, the near Philly; Moves, last season with the Texas league. and Hannah, the Union association giant, have all shown per feet form. The trio is also hitting. well and Manager Billy faces a most diqicul. 1 task in eliminating one of the three. From the present outlook. however, it appears that Hannah will be forced to show redoubtable strength with the lwillow 10 dopose either of the other two.
 Tire pitching stan appears as strong as last season notwithstanding the fact that Rhbe Benton has departed More, Chappelle and CoveleslSie are back with all their former aggressive ness and guile, and 10 select two ad- ditional beavers, bunch of choice ma. terial is available Mercer. the Pirate recruit who heaves from the conven- tional side, and Gordon. the Detroit southpaw. appear the most likely for Inc vacant berths. Vowlnkle, last year in the Eastern; Ware. the southeastern leaguer, and ITolenbeck, from tho Three Eye, are showing only indifferent form The five ultimately selected should possess adcqua ee strength. how ever
 The inheld. so far as fielding Is con- cerned, appears the fastest in the league with the possible exception of Br- mingham. Those Barons are there with the speed beyond the shadow of q doubt, as is Nashville. The inner works are bingling nicely. too, especially Bal enti. who in the cleanup position, is doing yoeman's servIce. Runser at third and Flick at second are hitting only modeately. Coyl. on the initial cushion is hitting wl,n no too great frequency but timely and hard.
 The ontteld up to the present has not been the hitting s-sength which is essential for pennant winning club. Moran is hitting at nIs usual stride which will not total more than .270 for the season, while Duncan is con siderably under his 300 maintained last year in the Sally league. Biltz, the leading slugger in the Three Eye has also failed to show 300 class to date
 The club is showing much aggres- fsiveness, however and there Is not a man on the squad, pitchers included who cannot score from second on a legitimate single. This is pleasing contrast to the lumbersome base run ming of Murch. Lister and NH last sea d son. First 10 third on singles is also being negotiated successfully upon ire Duncan and Balenti made Catcher Paulette of the Giants look real foolish in the fray he worked here.
 The local club must justly be con sidered dark horses. With a favor able break in the luck and an auspi- cious start they will se heard from in. very audible terms. Pitchers battles would probably cause the kidlets dis may, however, early fin the season.
 
 SHABBY FLY SCREENS
 should be enameIed now. Acme Quality Paint Store. 2oi5 3d avenue.