New Britain herald., 1925-03-30
Harris Says Club Is Other-
 wise Stronger-Combs
 Is Developing Slugging ' Ability as Tanks Beat Dodgers 5 to 4-Other
 Items From Southern
 Camps.
CBY BILLY ENANSJ

Tampa. March 30,-' NashlhE'on | may not win the pcnnant this year and then again il Is just possible my club will repeat" says Manager Stanley Harris,
 "I realize the competition will be stiffer than ever this year. Last | season we were the under dog, this year we arc the world champs "Opposing teams always seem to get greater satisfaction in knocking off the champions than beating a dark horse. This year the slogan will be, stop Washington,
 That is the way 1t should be It would be good thing for baseball If the pennant shifted oftener We expect rough going, but hope to overcome the many obstacles that are sure to he in our way, and emerge the winner.
 Stronger Than Year Ago
 My ball club is stronger than It was last season and we managed to win the pennant in 1924.
 "T know the other seven clubs re- sard us as lucky. that we got all ths breaks. It has been my eX- perience that winning teams invari- ably get the breaks. Incidentally make many of them by their aggres- sive style Of play,
 "Whether or not Washington wins the pennant, the club will be in there fighting for every ball game. That's the style of club that gets the breaks. If possible, they may come our way again this year"
 Pressed for his reasons for be- Ieying his ball club was stronger than last year, Harris replied:
 "A stronger and better outfieid. Coslins success of last year should make him one of the star outflelders of the league. McNeeley's year of experience will make him 25 per cent more efficient, Rice continues as good as ever.
 Much better reserve strength, particularly in the int1eid. where the club was lamcntably wear last year. Better pitching, due to the fact that I feel sure the veteran twirlerS added to my staff will be able tc stand up under the strain of the hard race VIC are facing, far better than the most likely recruits.
 Take 1t from mo, Dutch Reuthel is far from through, even thougf waived out of the National league I like his spirit. He is in grea shape. l feel that he will win Il ball games.
 The warm weather of Washing ton, the big outdeld and his appar ent excellent condition, make m feel that Stanley Covelcskie, veteran spitbaIl pitcher secured from Cleve land. will help me,
 "Discount the fact that Yea, Gregg is close to 40 in figuring hi chances. Aside from regular wor he should be whale of relic pitcher able to go at top speed fo four or five innings.
 Banks on Hurling Corps
 Frankly, I am banking on m ktching staff to carry the burdo> That is why I have gambled wit veterans rather than rookie phenon know just what the club can q on offense or defense.
 "If we don't win I will be d! appointed, not discouraged
 The viewpoint of Harris sums U the Washington situation. Desirir to be in the running this year he h' gambIed with veteran players rath' than experiment with recruits, I seeks quick action.
 And while he has a half dozr likely youngsters, among them kel and McNamara. pitchers, al Adams, infoIder. the Washinst' lineup of 1925 will bo the same tea that won the world championship 1924.
 Other teams in the Amcrict league look more impressive, pc hars. but the spirit of the cub al manager make Washington a tea that must he given serious co sideration in doping the 1925 winn' sy Tne Assoo.atet press.
 New York, March 20.-Eyiden that a new foe for American Ieag fence builders had appeared in Yankees lineup was apparent yestt day at Montgomery, Ala as { Higgins brigade struggled throu ten innings to victory over Broc lyn. 5 to f.
 The latest wrocker Of basoh park lumber is Earl Combs. Af four scorcless frames, the yor outheldcr hit his third homo run inc training trip, scoring bus ahead Of him. The drive was Ruthian va}Iop of 49o feet fir home plate 10 deep center q Mana ger Higgins considered the fort sufficient noteworthy 10 e Com bs a vacation for the remain Of the afternoon.
 Earl's departure made way fo new bid to distinction on the ?