The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-04-20
HOW THEY'LL FINISH

Chicago, April 19-(Written exclusively for The Age-Herald )-The world S cham pions, Boston Red SoX, figure to repeat their triumph of year ago in the pen nant race in the American league which opens next week, their strength not hav- ing been impaired by winter tradets-in reality they were helped. In the National the champion Cubs will receive stern op- position from the more formidable lNew York Giants, it being almost an even- money bet between these two at this writ ing.
 The late unplea santness across the pond is a factor that must be taken into con- sideratio in figuring the chances o1. the respective clubs and due allowances have been made in the standing above fol. ab- sent men. Each club is given the bene- fit of full returned strength in assigning the places of the probable finish. None return of some of their stars would upset the dope immensely.
 The race in the American league figures closer than that in the National. In the Johnsonian circuit, six clubs have an outside chance to rush to the front of the heap, the margin, however, being so slight in some instances that four of the six contenders are grouped in two classes so close do their prospects figure. hi the National, only one club-Cincinnatii- tii-fig ures to have an outside chance aside from the two favorites.
 In the junior league, the Red SoX stand out, but they will be closely pushed by Cleveland if the Indians get their full strength back. If Gleason uncoveys a real pitching find he and his White, Sox are figured on about par with the Yankees, while the Detroit Tigers and the Washington Senators are grouped and only a pace behind. These last four, ac cording to reports from their training camps, have been evincing more pep and more strength in departments of their play than has been weak in the past. Phil adelphia and St. Louis are uncertain ties and are figured as much. They might sur price, especially if Perry of the former and Davenport of the latter are ready for big seasons as is the present indication.
 In the National league there IS nothing to it but the Cubs or the Giants. The ls; tier are stronger outside the urling hill, but the formers strength hinges largely on the form that Grover Cleveland Alexander will show. The big hurler has returned from France, but has not yet joined his team Just how soon he will be in shape to pitch and with what abil- ity after his long service abroad, time only will tell.
 Cincinnati is the only club in the older league that figures to have an outfde chance to horn in. But they must have Roush, who is a boldout, and two or their sick stars must rejoin the club be- fore they can figure despite the acquisi- ton of Pat Moran as a manager. which is a real potent factor. He has the win ring habit, something that Cincinnati has always lacked and is the first tried leader the Reds have ever boasted of
 Brooklyn and Pittsburg figure about on par The same applies to Boston and Philadelphia. while the Cardinals fail to show the strength that one would expect from a team that has such splendid cIouters as smith, Hornsby and Cruise.
 Among the sporting element. the fol- lowing odds are being quoted on each Of the eight teams in the two races;
 American League-Boston S-5, ClevelS nd 2-1 Chicago Al, New York 5-1, Detroit S-1, Philadelphia 10-1, Washington 15-1, St. Louis 25-1.
 National Leaeue-Chicago S-5. New York 2-1, Cincinnati 5-1, Pittsburg S-l. Rrookgy n l0-l, Philadelphia 15-l. Boston 2O-l, St LCuis 25-1.