New-York tribune., 1920-01-04

Now that the ice has been brc
aumber of sensational sales and trac
There, is scarcely a club in either
major league, outside the champion
heds and White SoX. that is satisfied
"'sth its cast as ii concluded the 1919
campaign. Even Gleason is not quite
satisfisd with the Windy City bunch
the issue of the past worlds series
:aside--for his ritching staff is none too
secure for such grueling run as
characterized the American League
struggle of the past year.
Pat Moran will have little occasion
to worry if his athletes are at all rea-
sonable. Moran, with his wonderfully
salance staff of young pitchers
aud good catchers. should be able to
hold the fort successfully against any
assault that may develop. unless one of
his strongest rivals is able to develop
at least 20 per cent more driving power
shan that With which they finished the
season.
Youngsters Gain Confidence
Elser. Ring, Ruether, Bressler and
began are all youngsters who have won
their spurs and by the past successful
campaign gained the necessary conf
the part of either of the veterans Slim
Sallee and Ray Fisher. These last
mentioned. however, were so very good
ast year that they are not likely to
rack badly before the end of another
s.iff drive. Pats team elsewhere
shapes up we'll. The inticld is especial
y formidable. and with Jake Daubert
going as he went last year is quite the
class of the National League.
r. so NJ
of trouble signing up his players. But
that is only one of the many penalties
for championship success. Worlds
hampton athletes in particular learn to
:alue their services highly. But then,
again, with the rich prize money in
sight, the Cincinnati players are likely
to listen to reason in the end, especially
as Pat Moran is SO popular with his
men.
There are three clubs in the National
League which figure to give the Reds
! rumble next year if their managers
are able to tinker them up bit in
spots. These are New York, Chicago and
Pittsburgh.
McGraw should be able to start the
next season fortified in a department
hat developed: the greatest weakness
IN midseason of 1919--the battery de-
sartment. Benton, Barnes, Nehf, Toney
rAt.N CoS6 i0o diS i've QItcfloTS C1dC 3nOUIQ
class with the very best of the game
There are four high class catchers to
keep these twirlers on edge. Snyder and
Gonzales are experienced and capable of
schooling the several young pitchers
on the side.
Several Infield Changes
McGraw announced before he went to
-uba last time that he expected some
radical changes in his infield. He started
'ast season with an inner line that
yeraged more than thirty years os age
This insield began to crack at the same
lime about m;dseason. precipitated BY
illness and injury. McGraw did not have
t:'c reserve strength at hand to stop the
inevitable.
1t is said McGraw is willing to clean
mouse under certain conditions and line
lo an entirely new infield. George Kelly
made great hit at first base during the
indisposition of Hal Chase, while Frank
Frisch promises to be able to hold down
some intield position in case of necessity.
1t seems foregone conclusion that
define Zimmerman has played his last
game in Giant uniform. George Glib
son. the new manager Of the Pittsburgh
Pirates, is anxious to obtain the Bronx
IDOL and may be amcaable TO trade
. Of some sort. There is gossip to the
effect that even Arthur Fletcher may
De shunted to some other scene. Those
responsible for these rumors insist
that Fletcher, Doyle and one good
young right-handcd pitcher will be sent
to Boston for rabbit" Maranville
McGrev is satisfied with his outfield of
Young, Kauff and Burns.
Fred Mitchell, of the Cubs, has an
nounced his intention to stand pat
His club was keen disappointment
last yea-, but largely, he figures, be-
cause OF the detection Of Lefty Tyler
With Herzog's pep added to the intield
and Davy Robertson's big bat thrown
into the outfeld offense, Mitchell thinks
place all the way. He believes Alex
ander will be quite as good as ever ir
1920, which fact should Offset the loss
OF Tyler, in case this wonderful south
paw doas not recover the full cunning
OF his arm There is always hope that
Tyler will come back.
Pirates Loom Strong
Gibson has young team in Pitts,
burgh that was assembled by Hugh
Bezdek and which was just finding it.
SELF toward the end of the season
This club has now been assembled lone
enough 70 develop every resource o.
competent staff Of young pitchers
headed by Wilbur Cooper, Is supported
BY Schmidt. one Of the abiest catchers o.
the day. Gibson is an untried quantity
as major league manager, but he ha.
had long schooling as FIRST lieutenant
to McGraw, beside one years experienc.
with the Toronto club Of the New Inter
national League.
Outside the box the White Sox still
appear the class OF the American
League. Ray Schalk is the best catcher
in baseball. But Gleason needs at least
$50 more pitchers. and to procure these
probably will nave 70 sacrifice some O
his strength elsewhere. Eddie Cicott.
can scarcely be expected, at his age, +,
turn in 50 many victories again as h
did in i010--the crowning triumph o
his brilliant career. Especially woul,
this be 90 IL the American Leagu
should legislate out the "shinc" bali
Williams and Kerr are the only othc
White Sox pitchers Of class.
Cleveland needs only one more goo'
pitcher To improve It's chances greatly
and Cleveland has been EXCEPTIONAL
formidsble the last two seasons.
left handler OF worth would give Tri
Speaker an even chance with the bes
Of the field. But this ID another cluf