Evening star., 1928-03-23
BY BRIAN BELL.
Associated Press sport. w,,,.

tAesuctated ffees sports Writer
NEW YORK, March 23.-There will
be no odds-on favorite In the National
League as the eight clubs start along
the trail leading to a pennant at the
end of September.
At least half Of the entries are con-
ceded chances to make 1t a race, and
AS close an observer of things base ball
as John McGraw has called the con-
test open" for five bidders.
The defending champions, the Pitts
burgh Pirates. may expect stern oppo-
sition from St. Louis, Chicago, CinCin-
natl and New York. On the face of the
early Spring returns. subject to con-
firmation in the Autumn, the three
other places will be divided between
Brooklyn, Boston and Philadelphia.
Many forecaSters who have made the
pilgrimage to Avon Park to look over
the Cardinals expect Bill McKechnie s
team to resume the fight with the bold
Buccaneers where the same outfit. un-
der Bob OFarrell left of last year.
The Pirates are conceded to be in
better position to beat back the oppo-
sition in 1923, but rooters for the other
clubs insist there is more strength in
he assaulting forces. The Cardinal
supporters have been In particularly
good voice in Florida in March.
Pirates Are Strengthened.
The addition of Earl Adams TO do
Pittsburgh's second basing and the re-
sultant switch of George Grantham to
first base has plugged the Pittsburgh
weakness in the middle of the infield.
Burleigh Grimes crafty arm may also
be expected to help the Pittsburghers
and last years pitchers are back again,
with the exception Of Vic Aldridge, the
Indiana Schoolmaster, who may or may
not help the Giants.
The Cards, too, have been strength
ened not by the addition of new play
ers. but in improved physical condition
of the stock on the shelves. O'Farrell
promises to do the catching without the
handicap of balky thumb Hafey's
eyes have responded to treatment and
two bad legs. divided between Thevenow
and Blades. are believed to be whole
again. Flint Rhem will be able TO pitch
at the seasons opening, Alexander
seems more than ever living Illus
tration of the brook which was said
to have gone on forever. The passing
OF Lester Bell. who was far below his
1925 form last season. may leave the
Cardinals a third-base problem.
Skeptics are found who refuse to be-
lieve that the Giants, who finished
third last season with Hornsby at sec
ond base. can do better with the hard
hitter doing his hitting for another
club. Frank Hogan to take care of the
bulk of the catching. Andy Cohen as
Hornsby's successor at second and Jim
Welsh and Frank O'Doul added to the
outfield complement mark the major
changes In McGraw's team.
The Chicago Cubs have added strong
" TO their offensive power by the ac-
QUESTION Of Hazen Cuyler. who will not
be called on to hit second in the batting
order, and in Gabby Hartnett they have
a catcher who will run one-two in any
ballotting for the best in the league.
The Cubs worries. IL any. center about
the infield. Mcguire. Mcmillan. English
and Butler may hold the clubs ulti-
mate fate in the hollow of their gloves.
Cincinnati a Dark Horse.
Jack Hendricks. manager of Cincin-
natl regards his team as dark horse
with red legs. Hendricks pins his hopes
as a contender on improved physical
condition OF Long George Kelly. an ap-
pendicit;S victim last year, and added
speed in the outfield TO be contributed
by fast youngsters who have been care
fully brought along and now are pro-