Norwich bulletin., 1913-02-08
CHANCE FOR INFIELpERs.
Many Clubs Need Strengthening in
 This Department.

Athletes aspiring to break into the American league the coming season l felders, as this department of the pas I time appears to be the most in need
 of strengthening. Practically every club in the junior body, with the pos 1 sible exception of the Athletics can
 use recruit or two to strengthen the inner line of defense. Connie Mack built well when he arranged his forces three years ago and there is no sign l Of crack or Assure In the fnfleld man Ined by McInnfs. Collins, Barry and Baker Seven other pilots are in dire straits for talent to take care of the
 bases and the shortfeld. The host of inf1eld material should receive a thor .ough trial this coming campaign, with better opportunity of staying in the Johnson organization than heretofore Even the Red Sox and Washington, in positions to strengthen their fences by the acquisition of an infelder.. Though Jake Stahl pilot and initial sacker of the worlds champs" has gone on record as saying he would be found at his old post another year, it. is more than likely that he would give way willingly to a younger guardian were he fortunate enough to develop one. Even if he participates this sea- son. he must have a juvenile in train ing, ready to step into the breach if needs be-
 Clark Grtf1th's vital trouble last year was the keynote sack problem. Morgan, a recruit. took care of the bag much of the time. but his lavity in stick work made it essential for Grif- filth to change horses in midstream, and as result he bought Laporte temporary shift, and what Laporte made up in stick work he lacked in fielding and aggressiveness. Chicago, the fourth team in the race, was shy a first baseman all season Toward the close 1t picked up Borton, who was an improvement over the remainder of the trials. but he was painfully slow on his feet and a Ieft-handed stfcker, weak against pitchers of the Harry Lord to the outfie1d left & wide gap on the other side of the infield, which will be difficult to fill as the first corner. Weaver and Rath, short stop and second sacker. both year1ings. are the most secure of the fnaeIders and the former will have to fight two other juveniles.
 Cleveland made great headway in filling it's ranks toward the close of last year. In Johnston, first sacker, and Chapman. shortstop, it strength ened immensely. and 1t is probable that they will retain the jobs intrusted to second and third bases are guarded well at present by Lajoie and Turner, both are well past their prime and these places will have to be looked to
  of safeguarding the future. Detroit l Is, probably worse off than any other l club in the organization, having a shortstop who hit 8 very meager figure i last season as the lone secure tnfield l All three sacks are In need l of guardians, and were 1t not for the l fact that Cobb and Crawford, out- 1 helders. arc such a tower of. strength | the Tigers would fall back into the i air from which Jennings resurrected l them.
 The Browns plight Is too well known l Ee need much comment, They have 1 Pratt, q second saeker, and twe vet- ] srans in Wallace and gteYa1i. These positions must be locked into inamed= | ately. as more decay will leave g eav- ty taa deep te be cured. Nc matter which way the sauad lines un, the Browns must have two new infielderH, ! The Yankees are in pretty nsar as bad ! fix. They have Chase and Hartzell who can take care of the right side # the diamond. The latter has never ,een placed on this side of the pivotal ,ag in his big league career, but he tan play second better than either fliFd ef short: Chance will need the eft side of his infield braced consider hIy. as none ef the past seasen's efep