Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-05-08
NYER MAKES BIG

Mot in years has there been 80 much
IN interest in the hrat clash between
the East and West in the National and
American Leagues The Eastern teams
of the National League open their cam
paigns in the West. while the western end
OF the American circuit will take It's
first swing around the East. Results of
the games played within the next two
weeks will enable one to get an excellent
idea as TO the relative strength OF teams
of both leagues.
As a rule, II ls possible to get an ex-
cellent idea as to the relative strength
OF the teams before the first East vs.
West clash begins. but this year the ad-
vance dope has been knocked to pieces.
Teams looked upon as certain contenders
from start to finish have gotten on TO
such poor starts that II is a matter OF
doubt II they ever will be able to get
going properly
The results Of the games of the next two
weeks mean much 20 the local teams. The
Phillies leave for the West with Brooklyn
and Boston. and possibly two other teams,
ahead of them. but the lead ia not too
great that Moran's men cannot return
home in first place II they are as success
full on the road this year as they were In
1915.
GO00 on ROAD
Great road work was largely responsible
for the pennant winning of the Phils. as
both Brooklyn and Boston won a larger
percentage of home games. With indica-
tions pointing to a close race with at least
five teams standing an excellent chance to
win out, the best road team should be the
winner, and Moran's men need only to re-
peat their road success OF 1915 to repeat In
the pennant grind.
It is unfortunate for the Phils that they
did not have a few days at home prior to
starting on the trip, as morning batting
practice is needed badly by the champions.
II the Phils can recover their punch" they
have little to fear with the pitching stan
in splendid shape, but II they fail to find
their stride, the trip may pull them back
so far that II will be a hard matter to
catch UP as the league is much stronger
than 1t was year ago.
Indians Play Well
The first appearance of the Western
teams at Shbe Park is awaited with in
terest by the fans, who are convinced that
the Mackmen look just as good as any
team in the East at the present time.
Manager Mack says that the Athletics
will surprise the fans II the Western teams
are no stronger than those of the East
Cleveland is playing wonderful ball at
the present time, having won seven sue
cessive games from Detroit and Chicago.
but like the Phils last season, the Indians
will have to keep UP their sensational
work for several weeks before the fans
will look upon them as serious pennant
contenders. The first Eastern trip will
mean much to Cleveland, as n string of
defeats may cause the team to go to
pieces, whereas successful trip will give
the men the confidence needed to make
the team a contender,
Until last week the Western games of
both leagues had been marred by misera-
BILE pitching. but judging by the recent ex'
hibltions of hurting the pitchers have at
last struck their stride. II the Western
teams had been forced 10 meet the East
ern teams two weeks ago. II is likely that
one or two teams would have been eliTnI-
mated from the race through poor hurllng