New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-16
EbbetS Field Combine Is
Likely to Prove
Dangerous.
WILL NEVER FALTER
UNLESS LUCK FROWNS
Nine First.String Pitchers Are
Counted Upon to Capture
pennant.
BY FRANK O'NEILL.


pennants IN the major leagues.
Prophecies. like pie-crusts. are made
20 be broken. and the word of the
amateur soothsayer Of April IS often
forgotten by the time the ltes Of Oc-
tober roll around. For mat reason, II
none other. we have little hes'tancy
in predicting that the teams which
Keep the Brooklyn Robins from mount
ing high in the first division Will be
strong indeed.
The same Robin team which fought
so yaliantly FOR the National League
pennant last year looms up even more
formidable now. The only teams which
the Brooklyn players expect 20 ma
troublesome are the Boston Braves ami
the Phlllles. on whose brow the cham
piOnshlp crown now rests.
Wibert Robinson expects his pitch
ing staff 20 carry him to the topmost
rounds of the ladder. He says with
out reservation that il is the strong
est in the National League to-day;
and he can talk most enthusiastically
and convincingly on the matter.
Robbie says that he can start first
string pitcher every day in the week
and that none of the men vii. suffer
from oyerwork; unless, OF course. sick
ness or injury breaks up the comDina-
ton.
Ed Pfefrer. who for two seasons has
been the mainstay OF the Brooklyn
team. bids fair 70 repeat his perform
ances. Last year Ed ranked fourth IN
the National League. allowing an aver
age Of 2.09 earned runs TO the game.
In 1914 ne ranked third. allowing an
average Of 1877 earned runs TO the
game. Pfeffer said the other day that
his arm felt stronger now than 10 has
felt at the start OF any season. and
that in itself is more than encouraging
Despite the questionable perform
ance of Larry Cheney in the opening
game. there is not a doubt in the world
that he will prove 10 be of service 20
Brooklyn. Cheney met with Indifferent
success last year and finished far down
in the list, charged with allowing 3.25
earned runs per game. The trouble did
not rest in Larry's arm. but in his leg.
lie developed a weak knee. which pre-
vented him from showing at his best.
Robbie says the trouble has yielded
20 treatment and that Larry will be IN
his best form this year. Right now he
is n good condition and vii, probably
pitch many good game.
Introducing Jack Coombs.
Then there is the only Jack Coombs
Jack is the man Of all men in base
ball to defy tradition and come
back" How he was forced out Of base
ball in 'l3 and IA. only TO come BACK
and try the old game with brooklyn
last year. is too well known 10 admit
Of repetition. How he made good in
the face of great physical handicap IS
also established.
Last season COombs won - games
and lost 10. for an average OF 600. out
ranking his team by II per cent. Inc
average number Of earned runs made
Oft him was PSI. lie expects to nave
az least as good a year in 1916, and
we can find no reason 70 be cynical.
His work in the training camp was
most encouraging.
Whoezer Dell. the lanky righthander
who came in from the Paclhc coast
last year and established himself IN
the National League. is ready for the
season. Wheeler had hard time our
ing the winter and underwent serl-
Gus operation. lie is IN iirst-class con-
QitlOn now, ne says, anu 'NtNNN~
better his performance Of 1918, when
he allowed only Pa earned runs 20 the
game on an average.
Next 20 Dell comes Ed Appleton,
master OF a fast ball tina; carries a.
much smoke a., Walter Johnson S. ana
then Duster Mails. . newcomer, who D.
reputed 90 be quite r. pitcher.
Next for consideration arc the three
ler handlers Shcrrod Smith. Nap
Rucker and RUDE Marquard. smith
won success last year in his first sea
son under the big tent and with tie
experience gained should he ar least
As good Fucker had good year last
season and may repeat.
The question OF whether or not Kube
Marquard has outlived his usefulness
As a major league pitcher may be set
tied this season. Robbie believes mat
the Rube is going % re-estlblish HIM
self, and believes II firmly.
Marquard was pretty much OF
bloomer last year His meinstay, that
old fast ball, deserted him. and he was
driven OF the rubber time and again.
Robbie has devoted much time 20 Mar
guard this spring and II may have as
effect.
Concerning Buck Wheat.
One thing is assured for the Brook
Ism fans. and that is tina, Buck Whoa,
will be his usual harl-h'tting self This