The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-01
HAS WON THE RAG
 so WHAT'S THE USE OF PLAYING

Chattanooga Tenn, April 1.-(Special).- What do really think of my 1912 Look out aggregation?' unused Billy Smith vesterdav after the same had been ad- dressed to him in an nterrogative tone. Well. I haven't really decided to my own satisfaction. After looking over my tentative machine from every angle and analyzing every department, however, l must admit. with all due modesty, that do expect to be in the race for that 1912 rag-and that from the start to the wire.
 Speaking of the club as whole continued the usual taciturn leader of the locals, q will say that in fielding, base running and in all the defensive phases of the game I consider my deb utants of swat the equal of any in the league. I will candidly admit, however, that up to the present time the hitting has not been as formidable as could be desired. In extenuation of the Lookouts weakness with the willow it may be stat ed, though, that the bingles have been most sweetly opportune. In the first game against the Cincinnati Reds. for instance,
 
 hits. This indicates their speed on the cushions and their general aggressive ness.
 Tt may be well for me to treat the club by divisions continued William Billy, and also from both an offensive and defensive standpoint
 My catching department both on the offensive and defensive I consider the equal of any in the league. l make this statement without any restriction what soever. The three men l have under contract, Hannah, Moves and McDon- ough. are a trio of as sweet receivers as I ever saw upon a minor league ball club. All three are perfect fielders, know the game from A to z, and two, Moves and Hannah, are dangerously formidable with the willow. McDonough is the more polished of the trio but the weakest With the stick I will confess that I have very difficult problem in elimination be- fore me in this department when 1t be- comes necessary to weed out McDon- ough. with Scranton; Moves. with Okla homa City: and Hannah with Butte, all had records last season whose authenti- city early workouts substantiate.
 My pitching staff" resumed Smith. 'like my receiving department, I also consider the equal of any in the league. Coyeleskie More and Chappelle4 all of last years squad are certainties. The two remaining men are to be chosen from Mercer, whom I secured from the Pirates: Gordon, from Detroit: Hollen- beck from the Three-Eye league; Von- wrinkle, from the International; and Ware from the Southeastern. l have not at present the slightest opinion as to which two I will select from the last named for the two open berths. but. whatever may be my choice, I am positive that the entire squad will hold it's own with any in the circuit. The Pole will bear watching this season."
 My infield from defensive standpoint is alright. coyle. last year with Fort Worth. on first: Flick, last year with Butte or Paul Sentell on second; Mike PaIenti last year with Macon. on short: and either Evans. last season with Bay City, Mich. or Runser in the West Vir- giria league. on third, complete an in field which from defensive standpoint is without any serious flaws notwith- standing the fact that all are youngsters. Viewed from an offensive standpoint however the quartette is not fulfilling all expectations Balenti and Coyle alone are now hitting the ball on the nose. Evans and Runser however. hit far over .s00 last season while Flick batted .2s0 Sentelrs willow ability is known all around the circuit"
 "The outfield." continued the local pi- lot lis largely analogous to the infield. It Is faultless on the defense, but not