Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-20
SEEN AS FACTORS
NAL. FLAG RACE
Well Balanced Team of Vets
and Youngsters Is Sure
to Make Trouble.
BY GEORGE MORIARTY.
Big League Umpire.

w WITH nothing more tangible
VA than mere prophecy, 1 look
NV for the st. Louis Browns to
be one Of the most trouble-
some clubs in the American
League this year
The one certainty is that no other
club will start the grind with more
ambition than Dan Howley's charges.
The keenest competition did not dis
turb their morale in 1928 After more
or less cratic showing in the early
stages of the race. the Browns dug
themselves snugly into third place by
brushing aside all competitors except
the Athletics and Yankees. This indi-
Gates their readiness to tackle their So
called superiors in the coming CAM
paign.
The makeup of Manager Howley's
club shows that his veterans are more
than balanced by an array of sparkling
youngsters. Close observation is not re-
quired to see real strength in the Pitch
ing box. Any well balanced clug. boast
ing Of a Crowder and a Gray, should
escape much of the tension that results
from uncertain pitching.
Pair of Clever HurIers.
Crowder and Gray were the pitching
sensations of the American League last
year There were other wonderful ex-
hibitions of hill work. but these two
men had changed uniforms and were
presumably taking their last shots at
big league batsmen. Under the circum-
stances, their performances bordered
on the magnificent. They were excep-
tionally cool and clever in the pinches,
and proof of the pitching pudding is
determined in the heat of the battle.
look for Crowder and Gray to be equal
ly effective this year.
Early dope shows that Jack Hendricks
and his Cincinnati Reds will be en-
meshed in race wherein several Of
their competitors have already made
known their designs on the first three
positions
Hendricks is the genial and plugging
type OF manager with leadership as an
outstanding asset, but he has not been
receiving his share of the breaks. Here
tofore, his pitching STATS have been
more than able to stand the burden, but
just now there seems to be much doubt
about the Cincinnati slab corps. The
rest of his team is fairly balanced, al
though 1t possesses no particular bat
ting punch. Mainly. the Cincinnati
manager will gladly welcome few over
night pitching wonders at the training
camp.
Braves Have Tough Job.
The Boston Braves face mighty
struggle in the hope to land in q re-
spectacle position. Second Baseman
Mcguire. who went to the Braves in the
Hornsby deal with Chicago. is an artist
at fielding. While the Chicago fans
were glad to get HornSby, they were
reluctant to see Mcguire depart as he
rated high. in the teams success last
year
Judge Fuchs managerial debut will
pc watched with interest," understand
he tackles the task without professional
experience. He will undoubtedly find
1t stern business, featured with con-
fiicting emotions. Sitting on the bench
with players whose livelihood depends
on the breaks of the game, can be a
fascinating or a disappointing role.
Johnny Evers will sit close by. ready
to shoot timely suggestions to Manager
Fuchs. Evers has been through the fire
of many campaigns, and the element
Of surprise Is not new to him, but
whether the Braves finish high or low,
Judge Fuchs will find managing about
the most highly favored pastime he has
ever experienced.
Here's wishing him a world Of good
luck.
(Copyright, 1897