The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-04-05

The Great Zlm mas Slulnpeu out ot AiS leadership of the National league th'ra basemen and in his place comes new star, one who has shone brightly TOT wears. but is at his zenith now-Heine Groh, who leads all tne third sackers ol the country in the dope, taking the ieaa away from such men as Gardner, Who has dropped to third place in the Amer iean league. of Baker. whose batting de crease has reduced him back toward the average.
 In the American league Chlcago leaus bv a comfortable margin which Ill. all probability would be larger were II a ser talnty that Weaver would play al 'nas corner all the season. 1 have been com pe,led to figure that Weaver Will pay ,o0 ames at third, so the figures lhoi- cate two-thirds Weaver and one-tnlru McNIullin New York holds second piaee in each league, due to Bakers stii great. cleanup hitting power and inc calculation that he ought to be better this season, and to Aimmefinahs ity
 WILL RIDE ZIM
 The great Zim is in for touSh seasoh' one that will test his nerve ana coar age and either make or smash him as ball player If he can stand -the aodse and ridicule and the riding to Which he will be subjected in every game pe- cause of the unfortunate play in the world series that play may prove tlessing in disguise. If anything can make Zimmerman more serious ana Tn earnest and cause him to pay less at tention to the crowd, it would make him the greatest third basemen of the pres ent era. si
 The showing of Gardner in the dope figures IS no surprise, but It may sheeh Boston somewhat. Gardner had not slipped to the extent that some experts declare He was slower last season, ana he played by spurts Evidently condl tions were not the happiest, nor did they inspire Yhis magnificent veteran to 1of- mer heights. A change of clubs pernaps was the best thing for him and, under Mack he ought to return to close 10 his greatest efficiency. It must be re membered, too, that Gardner was enc of the best second basemen in the coln- try when he was changed to third, po' sition he had scarcely tried If Mack should switch him down to second asaln and shorten up the throw, he would be very valuable.
 CUNNING CONNY
 The more one studies the men the more the foxiness of Mack in making trades Is revealed. With his team shot to pieces by the war and by sales, he Las craftily maneuvered until he has the foundation of a real ball club with vet erans in the vital spots to steady the youngsters. I will be surprised if tha final figures do not show his team rank ing pretty well up.
 Boston is left with real third base problem to be solved. Fred Thomas. brought pack from Providence, is scarcely heavy enough for the work, and there is a big chance that Wally Schang will get a chance to win a regular job. II will be d tough job for anyone who is elected to play third. because basemen, such as Nash, Jimmy Collins and then Gardner and the fans have not forgot ten.
 There IS an odd angle in the dope in that Washington and Detroit practically are tied as regards third base strength. and we find St. Louis far down the list, just managing to hold ahead of Cieve. land.
 Cleveland must remain last in third basemen, because Turner is old and not biting heavily, unless it can develop a y6ingster who can stop the gap. Tur- ner is, to me, the most wonderful of all