El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1915-02-20

Chicago and Detroit. He does not see
much chance for st Louis, New York
or Cleveland to break into the first
division this year unless unforeseen de-
velopment occurs on the part of these
clubs.
johnson will not discuss the ability
of any of the various club managers,
but he grants the power of the Red
SOX, with fine Outfield made up of
Speaker, HOOPER and Lewis, a fair de-
fensive and offensive quartet in the
infield with HOblitZell, Janvrin, Scott
and Gardner, better than average
catching with Carrigan, Cady and
Thomas, and a crack pitching staff
made up of Foster, Leonard, Wood,
Gregg, Ray Collins and Shore. How
ever, he also points out the strong
points in the opposing four teams and
lays as much stress on them.
Two of the four contenders have
nearly as good pitching staffs as the
Boston club. in Bans opinion. He
names Jim Scott, Reb Russell and Eddie
Cicotte of the White oSx. as seusa-
tional trio that can be compared IA
vorably with the magic three of the
world champion Braves. Rudolph, Tyler
and James. Walter Johnson in shape
is such a marvellous twirler that he
alone would make the Washington
corps formidable. Joe BOehlinE and
several other capable FINGERS of the
younger generation are on hand to
fill in acceptably between the sure
thing days when Walter the Great
hurls, in Bans opinion.
Makes Other Comparisons.
The car Of the American league has
plenty Of other nice things to say about
these two clubs. Speaking of Wash
ingtOn, he declares its catching staff
of Williams, Henry and Ainsmith su-
perior to that of the Red Sox and he
talks in like vein about the White Sox
Dackstops with Ray Schalk. most
formidable yOUngster in the game, as
the piece de resistance. In Eddie Col
Inns and Buck Weaver, he thinks the
White SOX outclass Boston at second
base and shortstop. Turning to Wash
ington again, he believes the Senators
can match iris Speaker of the Hub
Outfield with Clyde Milan, that Eddie
Foster is better than Gardner at third
base and that George Mcbride is better
at shOrtstop.
The Athletics are not entirely broken
up by the departure Of Bender, Plank
and Collins-far from tin the cars
opinion. Schang and Lapp form a
better catching staff than the Red Sox
have; McInnis at first, Barry at short
and Home Run" Frank Baker at third
are much better than the similar Bos-
ton infielders and the pitching staff
has good possibilities, though some
what uncertain, with ShaWkey. Bress-
Ter. Bush, Wyckoff and Pennock. all
Youngsters possessing plenty Of curves
and speed.
The mighty slugging of sam Craw-
ford and Ty Cobb coupled with the
great base running Of the latter is held
n high favor by the league chief and z
makes him consider the chances of the !
Detroit Tigers favOrably. Denie Bush
at Shortstop, young Burns at first base
and veteran George Moriarty at third
llso are held in great esteem by him,
while oscar Stanage and RED" Mckee (
ire rated well up among the catchers. /
You may quote me directly on this"
says Ban in conclusion frTbere viii /
be nothing resembling a walkover in /!
our league this year unless I am a |
worse baseball prophet than I think 7 /
I'M I really am sincere when I saw I |
expect free for all fight for the pen !
1ant. Don't think I am kidding be- I
,ause I'm not"