The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-07-26
TANKS MUST GET BETTER TWIRLlNG
 TO STOP SLUMP

New York. July 26-Aftar a, giddy campaign in the West the Yankees stand at the crossroads. On Shs one hand opens the lane to the first di- vision, on the other yawns the chutes to the ruck, down which the nainions of Donovan have been skidding peril ously. In two weeks we shall know which they have selected,
 As they move into conflict with the Chicago White Sox. they arguard of the Western invaders, 1t is apparent the burden of responsibility during this critical period will fan upon the pitchers. From now on the bog brf- gade will be compelled to follow a whitening pace to keep the Tanks in the running, for with the head of the homestretch in view every club in the league is batting harder than eyer.
 Thus far the pitching staff, with one or two exceptions, has been Fsomething. akin to a disappointment. The only members who have come up to early season expectations are Love and Shocker, and both are un- certainties Love, though he leads the American League with five vic. tories and one defeat, has been prone to blow when thel pace becomes taut, and in a number of recent games has given Donovan frequent heartaches.
 Sneakers injured arm will prob- ably keep him on the bench for a few more weeks, and it is unlikely he will be of much use until early autumn. In Loye's case, however, there is hope. Donovan regards the attenuated southpaw as one of the most promising in the league.
 Nick Cullop is next in the pitchersr column, having won three games and lost two, but has not been as helpful as last season.
 f The inability of Mogridge has been a keen surprise to Donovan. At. the outset Mogridge lookd like one of the best pitchers in the American League. His curves had sharper break and his speed was greater than last sea- son. Furthermore, the experience he acquired during the campaign of 1916 made him one of the best pros poets in the Yankee camp. But still l he is langufshing in the .500 class, with meagre hope of emerging. And by the same token, Box Shaw key, last season one of the most ef- fective pitchers on the New York staff, has fallen down so completely that Donovan has abandoned hope he ever will come through. Shawkey is down near the bottom of the l twirlers' column, with an average of .313, having won five games and lost ] II. Shawkey, like Caldwell and Love. has found it difficult to travel nine Innings. After the fifth he usually 1 begins to fade. ess
 Allen Russell and Ray Caldwell
 
 In recent games Caldwell has shown 1 improve soon they won't be of much ] use to the Tanks in the drive down l the homestretch. Russell has won six games and ost five for an average of 545, while Caldwell has won nine and lost eight for a mark of .539
 The situation, however, is not with- out encouragement. Frank Baker is back among the 300 swatters with an average of .317. and has inserted plenty of dynamite into the ceanur section of the batting order. Las | week he gained 15 points. Walls iPipp also Is soaring toward the Cobb. and Speakers, having expanded hi
 mark to .277, while Marsans and 1 Peckinpaugh also are giving impetu: to the Yankee drive.
 Defensiely, too, there is nothing te
 cause Donovan any concern. Int Tanks are one of the greatest de. fensive aggreghtions in the major leagues. That is conceded But il the hnAl anaysis it sinners down ts 8 question of pitchers. If the twirI CTS do their share during the nex two weeks the Tanks may tlbow theil way into the upper strata, but if th'
 pitchers fail there vii be nothing for Donovan to do but begin experi
 menting for next season.
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