The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1928-02-13
SAINTS HAVE
BIG PROBLEM
TO DETERMINE
R0ettger Remains at First
All Other Infielders Went
to Majors
(This is the third of a series
of reviews on the American As.
ISOLATION baseball clubs.)


81
st. Paul, Mimi, Feb. 13.-R-
Graduation Of three infielders tc
the major leagues has left a big
problem for Manager Nick Allen
and President Bob Conncry of the
st. Paul American Association
baseball club. to be solved before
the opening Of the schedule April
10.
Only one infielder, Oscar Roettger
at first base, remains from the
combination which last year set q
record for double plays and cut off
many promising base hits.
Norman Macmillan was drafted
by the Chicago Cubs last fall, leav.
ing a gaping hole at the keystone
position, and Leo Durocher and
Gene Robertson were sent to the
New York Yankees. Durocher, a
shortstop, was here on option in
1927. Third baseman Robertson was
sold for cash and players.
There arc several promising in
fielders among the squad Of 20
which will be taken to Mineral
Wells, Texas, the spring training
camp Of the Saints for the past
two years. With first base the only
position clinched, merry fight is
expected for the other jobs.
Hot Corner Worries
A third baseman is still coming
to the Saints in the Robertson deal,
which sent Merchant, a second sack
or, to the locals. The hot corner is
the main worry of the Saints
bosses, who arc still looking for a
player who can both hit and field.
Merchant appears to be the best
candidate for the keystone sack,
and he will have to hustle to fill
the assignment left open by Mac
MILAN. "Pewee" Wanninger, un.
derstudy to Duracher last year aft
CT his return from a trip to the
majors. may he seen at shortstop.
In addition to Roettgcr. there are
at present three other first sackers
on the roster-Petc Stuvengen,
Clements and Robb. The former
was here last year. Roob is a
student at the University Of Okla
homa, who is willing to delay his
education for a professional base
ball career. Stuvengen will be sold
before the season starts, and it is
doubtful if Clements can make the
grade.
"Debee" Toss and Heinic Odom,
youngsters obtained two years ago,
again will fight it out for the in
field utility positions. Fosss is al
most certain to land one Of these
jobs, through his excellent work as
an undcrstudy last year. Odom was
farmed out in 1927 and has been
recalled to give him another chance.
Tossers Are Good
St. Paul will be represented by
one Of the best pitching staffs in
the Association. AL Shealy is the
only regular of last season who
will not be in a Saints uniform
again. He was sent to the YAM
KEGS, who returned Giard, as part
payment. He was formerly an A..
A. hurler.
Six moundsmcn appear to have
their regular turns assured, and
there arc group of pookics seek
ing the other two berths as regu-
lars. Belts, Zahniser. Gard, Heinz
ach, Maxley and McQuaid all were
with the team last season, and will
be back again this year.
Kirsch, q youngster obtained last
year, made q good showing in the
games in which he participated. His
opposition for the regular jobs will
come from Poll, Bream, Chester
field, Hopkins, Holmes, Connolly.
and Pillette, all Of WHOM, will be
taken south on the training trip.
Pillette was here for while last
year and will be coming up for an.
other chance. Connolly was picked
up at the state amateur league
meet here last fall, and Poll and
Bream are from the N. Y. p. league.
The last two are in big demand in
the eastern minor loops and much
is expected of them.
Only two catchers will be taken
south, both of them veterans Of last
year. Alex CASTOR will resume his
regular post behind the plate, with
young Tesmir ready to step into
his shoes at any time. CASTOR is
we'll liked by st. Paul fans, and
Connery believes he is in for an
other big year.
Has One Field Post
There is only one outfield posi-
ton open, and four players are pre-
pairing to set up their claims for
that job. Scarritt and Funk will
again be seen in right anu center
fields, respectively, where they
made their "big league" debut in
1927.
For the other job, Bruno Haas.
Harold Anderson, members ct the
Saints last season, and Enger and
Davis, are available. Enzer was
where he played as a regular end
hit over 800. Haas and Anderson
for the left field berth.
Taking everything into consider
alton, the st. Paul club looks like
a title contender, with It's great
pitching staff. and hard hitting
Outfield. capable of cutting down
many drives that look like certain
doubles or triples.