The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-19
CUBS SUCCESS
DEPENDS LARGELY
ON NEW MANAGER
President Weegham Says Fred
Mitchell One of Most Able
Leaders in Country
TO SELECT PITCHING
STAFF FROM IS MEN
(By United PresS)

(By United PreSS)
Chicago, Feb. 19-What the Cubs
will amount to in 1917 is pretty well
up to Fred Mitchell, the new man
agcr
Joe Tinker took the combined Chi
cage Feds and the old Cubs in 1916,
and all the critics placed his team l.
%. They were lucky to finish in the
league. Catcher Archer developed
fragile digis and was Of little use
The old pitchers had dead wings AID
good many OF the players seemed
dead from the neck up. Joe had a
tough job and finally gave it up.
The Cubs will leave for their train
| ing camp at Pasadena next Tuesday.
Several weeks will be spent condi-
! tiOning at this resort, which is the
winter home of William Wrigley, part
owner of he club.
Mitchell is credited with great
deal of the success attained by George
Stallings with the Boston Braves. but
the most enthusiastic follower OF the
club know he faces a Herculean task.
"MOSt Able Leader
THE Cubs this season should be
great improvement over last season,
for in Mitchell hayc'o one Of the most
able leaders in the country said
President Weeghman today. HE is
very progressive and constructive and
knows how to handle the players.
With the addition of AL Demaree and
a few youngsters the pitching staff
will shape up to be one Of the best
in the country. a....-...
Anticipates u Fight
Although do not wish to predict
a pennant l believe the Cubs will be
in the fight all the way and will
finish in the first division
One Of the greatest problems for
Mitchell will be his catching staff.
Archer is slipping, Art Wilson Of
Federal league fame, had a poor time
last season, but may come back.
Rowdy Elliot, the pudgy youngster
from the coast league, showed up we'll
last season and many pin faith on
him to become first string catcher.
Bill Dillhoefer, obtained from Mil
waukee in the draft, was hailed as a
second Ray Schalk.
The slump of Vic Safer at first is
believed to have been only temper
airy. Fred MOllwitZ and Edward Nc
Ginnis. the latter from the sand lots
of Boston, are candidates for Saiers
job.
Ycrkcs, Doyle's Understudy
Larry Doyle's case is causing local
fans much worry. The custodian OF
the keysqne sack broke his leg soon
afcr be came here, Steve Ycrkes,
will be Doylc's understudy. .'asz-
Michel has four youngsters who
will try to fill the hole at shortstop.
Bill. Workman did well during the last
few months last summer. He came
from Kansas City with a great rep,
but his hitting was minus. The 9TH
ers are Frank Murphy, scmi-pro OF
Joliet, ILL.,; Arthur Shay, a Boston
sand lotter, and Harry Wolfe, drafted
from Duluth.
Charlie Deal, who played third base
for the Braves in 1914, later Topping
to the Feds, may be given a regular
berth at his old position. Another
possibility for this job is Herb Hunt
er, obtained from the Giants in the
Zimmerman trade. Rollie Zeider will
take care Of the utility role.
Wealth Of Outfield Material
Mitchell has wealth of outfield ma
terial. Cy Williams, the elongated
star, will be seen again in center
field. Leslie Mann is the strongest
candidate for left field. Max Flack, a
hold over from the Feds, will be an
other outfield candidate. Harry Wolter
once of the New Orleans Yankees, will
get trial. Other outfield candidates
are Jacobson, obtained in the Zim
deal; Muesel, drafted from Birming-
ham; Smith from Omaha and Schick,
a Chicago semi-pro. :
Mitchell will have fifteen men from,
which to select pitching staff. He
has four left handlers, including Jim
Vaughn and Gene Packard, veterans
of last year, Bill McTigue, purchased
from Toronto, and Reuther, drafted
from Spokane. Among his right hand
ers are Claude Hendrix and Mike
Prendergast, veterans; Aldridge,
Dawson and Carton of the Indianapo-
lis American club association; Phil
Douglas, recalled from st. Paul; Ehr-
hardt, bought from Moline; Scott
Perry from Atlanta, Tom Seaton. a
veteran released last year to Indian
apolis; Pete Standridge. recalled
from Los Angeles and AL Demaree, re-
Gently of Philadelphia.
Sheckard An Assistant
Jimmy Sheckard, old Cub, will be
carried as an assistant to Mitchell He
will drill the outer gardeners.
Chick Evans, open and national
golf champion, will accompany the
team to Pasadena. President Weegh-