The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-04-12

Rariden from the Federal ranks will help materially. The outfield is the best that the Giants have had in many seasons, but the infield is an uncertain quantity.
 In the American league there have been fewer changes in the personnel of the teams. Boston, Detroit, Chicago, Wash ington and Philadelphia took few, if any, of the Federal league talent, although all will try out young players. New York, Cleveland and St. Louis have strength ened their commands from various sources and the race should prove un- usually close.
 Just what effect the absence of Iris Speaker from the worlds champions will have on the seasons play of the Boston Americans is problematical. The man. agement of the Red Sox seems satisfied that Clarence Walker will fill the outfield vacancy satisfactorily. With these two changes and the addition of Catcher Sam Agnew the club is as formidable as it was a year ago, and it's chances to re- peat as a pennant winner are seemingly more than promising. Manager Carrigan feels confident and believes ,hls men are in better shape than they were a year ago. l.e ,t
 TIGERS ARE VETERANS
 Detroit and Chicago, which finished second and third respectively last year, will enter the present campaign with vet eran teams, although both nave several promising young players in reserve. The only regular on the Detroit club whose place is not considered secure is First BaSeman Burns. He has not hit well thus far this spring. The pitching staff prob ably will be Coyaleskie, James, Dauss and
 cand, all veterans.
 The most important change in the line- nf io hn cI,i of ssecFge Weaver to third base, made pos Si5le ny the ability, in Manager Rowland's NEfn4on, Of, Zeb Terry, the Los Angeles. re- cF4ib @ take Viewers place at short sia. By'd Lynn has fulfilled expecta- tionsi Hid G1th lack Lapp will battle for the honor of understudying Catch Schalk
 Clark Griffith, one of the keenest of managers, is satisfied that the members of his team, the Washington Americans. Will this year not be troubled with dis sers1on and are prepared stoutly to SUD- port Walter Johnson and the other mem bers of the twirling staff. The new first baseman, Joe Judge, from the Interna- tlonal league, is expected by his team mates to outply any other man in that position on any American league club this season, and the pitching and catching de- partments are very strong
 The New York club, which won fifth place in last seasons chase, has been greatly improved, with the purchase of Lee Magee, Cullop and Gedeon from the Federals; Home-Run Baker from the Ath- letlcs and number of promising recruits from the minors Every department ap- pears to be strong in both fielding and batting, while the pitching and catching staff is much superior to the old com binations.
 BROWNS ARE STRONGER
 Through the acquisition of several Fed eral league stars the St. Louis Ameri- cans, sixth last year, also are considered much stronger. Plank, former pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics, and last year with the St. Louis Federals is on the hurllng staff, together with Davenport. Groom and Crandall a trio of Federal league pitchers. The Cuban, Marsans. Will be seen in the outfield
 The Cleveland American league teams chlef additional strength lies in the ac- qulsitlon Of Iris Speaker from Boston and Arnold Gandl from Wasbington Speakers all-round ability is a known asset Gandil is a strong batsman a good fielder and fast on the bases. Terry Turner, who served in the field as utilitv last season, will play at third. Tom Daley, catcher. and Larry ChapeIIe opt- nelder, are two new faces that will be seen with the Indians, each at present slated for extra duty
 connie Mack, manager of the once fam ous Athletics, is making no predctions The Philadelphia Americans start tba season with a mixture of veterans and minor league recruits, and Mack has stated repeatedly that he is building for 1917 ioi