The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-04-07
Braves Not Likely
ToClimb High
Many Changes Made in Line
up But No Real Strength
Has Been Added
Nv JOE WILLIAMS

The Braves seem to be in much the
same discouraging position as a
squirrel in a revolving cage which
maintains a ceaseless running pace,
. and yet advances not one whit.
Much shifting of talent has been
recorded since the fall days of 1923
and many faces appear in the lineup,
but whether the team strength has
been affected either in an upward or
downward direction is a question for
the best minds to grapple with.
Last year the Braves fluctuated
between seventh and eighth place
most of the time, ultimately passing
the lowermost Phillies by Il four
game margin. No one expects them
to do a great deal better this year.
I he team lacks the potentialities of
Il conner. The stimulus or new
manager, Dave Bancroft. may help
some but hardly enough to bridge
the gap between seventh place and
first division berth.
WIFI Miss BOeckel
The added power the presence Of
Bancroft was expected to give the
inlield has been offset to noticeable
extent by the death Of Tony Boeckel,
the third baseman. Bocckel was a
hard, timely hitter and next to Tray
nor of the Pirates and Friberg of the
Cubs he made more plays than any
third baseman in the league.
Bancroft intends to start Johnny
kelleher, claimed from the Cubs on
waivers, at third, provided his arm
comes around. Cotton Tierney, late
OF the Philles, n hard hitter but I'M
certain fielder, will be at second,
with the perennial McInnis covering
first. McInnis is the slowest first
baseman in baseball and yet one of
the best. lie is still capable Of max
ing fielding plays that no other first
baseman will attempt.
The Braves gave up one of the
finest outfielders in the old league
when Billy Southworth was allowed
to pass on to the Giants. and. of
course, he will be missed both as
hitter and a defensive force. Ban
croft will probably start with Cum
bingham, Stengal and Nixon. Felix,
a regular, was operated on recently
and will be out until May. Cruise
and Bagwell are also available, and
Srerher, drafted from Houston, is
we'll thought of.
Pitching Staff Stronger?
Bancroft tells you his pitching
staff is improved. Genewich, of
course, is one of the best right
handlers in baseball. The 35-ycar-old
Marquard is still an effective. Jesse
Barnes may go well for his old New
York buddy. Jack Cooney, the young
left handler, who was ill the greater
part of last season, is listed as
regular.
This will be the test year for Tim
Mcnamara Fordham University
star. Year ago last fall the Irish
man looked the part of universe
whipper but failed to measure up
in the regular battles last summer
and finished with a winning average
of 1873, which is nothing to speak of
in low, hushed tones.
Yeargin, Stryker and Batchelder,
the latter southpaw, are rockies
who stand out. Yeargin was recalled
from the South Atlantic League.
Stryker and Batchelder had note
worthy records in the Eastern
League, Yeargin has the best chance
to spend the summer in Boston-if
he can get enthusiastic ov0 that.
Mickey O'Neill is again the first
string catcher with the gentlemanly
Earl Smith PLAYING the dummy. as
We say in bridge.