Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-03-30

Cleve =. le3s 1865 1903 1886 4s42
phila. go. 1882 1876 1857 1851 41l6
Whoopcc. boys! If the figures on out
feldcrS. pitchers. catchcrs and managers
continue in the same way those on the
American League infielders show. the
American League rae is going to he the
most wonderful that ever has been
known.
Here arc seven inhelds so closely
matched that it is scarcely possible TO
choose between thcm-and only Connie
Macl's torpedocd wonders trailing in
the ruck.
The amazing part OF the comparative
Figures thus far compiled lies in the
astonishing and unexpected strength
Of the st. Louis Browns. ! had no idea
that the Browns ranked anywhere
near up with the rest, but after study
ing every man on the infield. pro and
con. and reducing his values in every
department to cold figures, ! find 81.
Louis ranking right up with the worlds
champions, and with four little points
barring them from first place in the
dope. And further, the strength is
evenly distributed around the infeld,
"A we'll balanced. coherent inncld. and
that without a single star to boost
the figures, unless YOU count Sister a
star. which he will be even If he is
not now. Jones has a lot OF material
mt hand, a lot Of strong re-enforce-
bic youngsters. In fact. the Browns
have more undcrsurface strength than
almost any one suspects until one gets
down TO the figures and studies each
position individually.
Boston, Of course, ranks first. in
spite OF some Of the stars of the
champs standing on slippery places,
even If not slipping. Tho intield is not
strong enough to land pennant with
out lot of help. and If mistake not,
ii will not give the pitchers much life
saving assistance should they break
or faltcr during the strain OF the sea-
son. In fact. boys, although | have
not completed the figures, there are
signs all through the dope that Boston
is liable 10 crack
Understand that--crack" You know
what happens when championship
team cracks? IT goes right long
lighting and hustlinG until it is evil
dent that II is licked and then il blows
all to pieces and any one can boat il
Yet. II Boston cracks this season there
is small chance that II will drop out OF
the race completely. The pitchers arc
too good aud the team too evenly
matched for that--thcy are certain 10
be up in the bunch until near the end
anyhow. and if the smashup that is
evidenced by signs in the dope comes.
IL will be late and there will be others
cracking with them
Detroit figures well up. better forti-
ficd than IL has been. and the inflcld
undoubtedly is the best jennings ever
has presented even in the champion
ship days OF the Tigers. Chicago ranks
well up in figures, but is not as GER
tain as the others Its danger lies in
erratic playing. 1t Is an inticld that
IS more liable TO panics than any other
III the league-one that goes like
HASH over part OF the route and
Smashes up badly. Last year Rowland
,,,.,
but they cracked again The team has
more and better material now. and has
men who can be rushed into the breach
to stop just such panics. often
change OF that kind will produce con-
hdence and restore the balance
Cle"ciands high ranking is scarcely
legitimate. 1t is due to extraordinary
strength a; shortstop. The infeld is
not well balanced, which is bad
The purchase OF Home Run Baker
by the Yankees is at once q great
help and heavy handicap to Mana
ger Donovan Baker is much over
rated hall player. lie is slightly bet
ter IN offensive play than is MaiseI but
never his equal as a defensive inside"
PLAYER. Baker is Il homo run hero, n
stolid ieldy baseman. awkward
and uncouth, but when he hits he
drives them mile.
Maiscl is the type of "gettcr on"
who, if playing ahead OF a slucger. like
baker. would be marvel at scoring
runs. Such combination would be
great for the Yankees
You do not realize how good tho
fanks pitching force is until you see
how we'll they have pitched I'm the
face OF discouraginE support. Tho team
never could make runs for its pitchers
Now il has added Baker, Magee and
several other pin drivers. who arc
likely 10 swat home enough runs to