Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1924-04-13

With practically a ffve-star pitch
Ing staff and a regular array I'M
changed from that which carried
chem to world championship last
TALL, the Yankees are entitled to be
installed as faTorites in the race,
while the Indians, with the greatest
smuggling outfit in the game, improved
pitching and their one infield hole
plugged by George Burns, loom as
the most formidable rivals of the
Hugmen. After that it will be a
scramble between the Tigers, Ma
ionals, Athletics and Browns, with
The two hosiery outftS-Red and
v hite-for what is left.
Tigers Weak at second.
II I. Raymond Obj had a keystone
1 combination that could be relied or
the high rating given his machine
would be more deserved, but a fact
That must be given the most serious
consideraticn is thai his club is
&3anentabiy weak at short as we'll as
Second base. Emory Rigney, De-
Etrcits regular short-fielder, has been
#out of action all spring having his
weak back tinkered with by high
EpriCed exports and there is no as
Hsurance that he will be able to play
Hat all, rumors emanating from the
invest being to the effect that he has
H5pinal trouble OF the gravest nature
n At second the aged and logey Der
8in Pratt has been holding forth
8simply because Obj has~no one better
fIto place there. Del can still hit. but
#the tales that he has developed into
H|s. speed demon by virtue of melting
loft sixteen pounds of fat can be
/ safely ignored. The best of the re-
placement material available is
I Haney, and he already has been tried
Hand found wanting.
III Mack Relies on Minor Leaguers.
Much publicity has been given to the
Hadded strength acquired by the Ath-
etics through the acquisition of Sim
#nlons. Strand and Bishop. but the ex-
|Htant to which they will add punch to a
Hctub sadly lacking in it remains to be
Iseen. The first two named were bear
Heats with the wand in class IA circles.
Hand the latter unquestionably proved
Whimself polished in the mechanics of
II second basing in the same company, but
they have yet to prove their worth in
trio has boistered the Macl1men remains
H TO be seen.
d Browns Depend on Sfsler.
The future of the Browns depends en-
tLrely upon the playing ability of George
sister, and the most authentic informa-
tion obtainabie is that the greatest of
all players of 1922 cannot hope to even
approach his form of the season before
4aSt. 1t seems assured now that Sisler
will be abe to personally lead his men
on the field in his initial venture as a
pilot. but the effects of the sinus trou-
BILE that kept him idle throughout last
year probably will serve to make an
ordinary performer out of the former
Superstar
The vision of Sisters right optic is said
TO be so impaired that he has become en-
,tfrely a one-eyed hitter. Having to rely
on the eye farthest from the ball when
pitched has necessitated an altered
stance i'll which he almost completely
races the hurler. This greatly changed
style of swinging is calculated to .tum-
DIE Sisler from the heights as a bats
man, and the moral effect of having their
leader constantly struggling against a
great physical handicap and the loss of
bis magnificent 400 batting ability
makes fate similar to t.lat met by the
hroWns last season seem likei?
Boston Stronger, Chicago weaker. :
The Red Sox generally are rated as
the most improved club in the circuit,
with classy young shortstop in Lee
to NIL gaping hole in the infield
and their attack boistered by Bobby
Ycach, not to mention able direction
from Lee Foil under the new owner
Ship regime; but the Hubmen were so
badly in need of Improvement that II
is difficult to see how they can climb
far from the cellar position that
claimed them last year.
Owing 40 disoeEanizatson due to