New Britain herald., 1925-01-29
CUBS LOOK GOOD
 FROM A DISTANCE
New Players and Return Of
 Cripples Strengthens Team
By The Assoclnted Pross.

bS Ing AssONlAttu ifbss.
 Chicago, Jan, 29.-Acquisition of three sterling veterans from Pitts burgh, the recovery of a trio of Cub players whose injuries crippled the team last fall and the signing of George Gibson as coach and assist ant manager to handle the sixteen pitchers on the clubs roster, has boosted the pennant prospects of the Chicago Nationals for the 1925 season, according to President Will liam Neeck.
 The three players who came to the Cubs in exchange for George Grantham. second baseman; Vic AL dridge, pitcher. and First Baseman Bert Neihaus, a former Southern Association player, are Wilbur Coop CT, d dependable left-hand pitcher, Rabbit" Maranville, u steady sec- ond sacker; and Charley Grimm, a high class first baseman. The trio fit in weel as the club was considered weak in these positions.
 Grimm plugs the hole at fiSst base for the first time since the passing of Ray Grimes, who was sent to the Pacific coast. With Maranville at the Keystone sack and acting as field leader, the inheld has a stability it has not had In recent years. Mar anville is good batter and is rated as one of the best second basemen in the league. The addition of Cooper gives the club the services of one of the best southpaws in the game.
 Charles Hollocher, shortstop, who was sick last year. says he will be able to return to his old position this spring. He has been spending the winter months outdoors and ap- parently is in good condition. Presi- dent NeeCk said. Hollocher was granted permission to escape the training trip to Catalina Island.
 Barney Friberg, who suffered a broken leg last season, which forced him into retirement, has fully re- covered. He is one of the best third seekers in the league, The Cubs also obtained Clarke A. Pittinger, a rangy inf1elder from the coast league, and he may be inserted at short or even at third. if it is de- cided to shift Friberg to the outfield. This move would give the club & hard hitting ou,fieider of the clean up type a man President Neeck has been seeking since the close of last season. Pittenger formerly was q member of the Boston Red Sox. "Sparky' Adams, diminutive short stop, also is available for the inner defense.
 In case Friberg Is sent to center field the Cubs will have one of the best outtields in the league, The other two regulars probably will be Denver Grigsby and Cliff Heathcote, Hack Miller and Arnold Statz will undoubtedly be retained to fill in,
 Cooper, Grover Alexander. Vic Keen and Tony Kaufmann give the Cubs a strong quartet of mounds men. Alexander and Cooper arc veterans but steady workers. Keen is a collcgian who showed fine form last season, while Kaufman, a tempcramental star, possesses q brilliant assortment of pitching wares.
 In addition to these four twirlers, the club has about dozen others, the largest number ever taken in q training trip, Frop this array, it is hoped that Gibson will be able to develop a few high class pitchers. Among the most promising are FL mer Jacobs, Guy Bush, Rip" Wheeler, George Steuland, Nick Dumovick and Percy Jones. All have been with the club before and should show vast improvement un- der the watchful eye of the veteran coach.
 Gabby Hartnett and Bob O'Farrcll will do the bulk of catching. This pair is regarded as one of the best in the league, while H9rtnett is a dangerous hitter in pinch.