Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-06
BY GAYLE TALBOT, JR.,
Associated Press Sports Writer.

Associated Press Sports Writer.
n YEW ORLEANS, March g.
M Although the big -Four" of
! Y their batting attack ap-
pears to have been reduced
by one-Eddie Morgan having de-
cided tho box and crate industry
needs him more than base ball
the Cleveland Indians will hit the
American League warpath next
month with brighter prospects
than they had q year ago.
Roger Peckinpaugh's tribe was good
enough to pull up fourth in 1880, not
withstanding q scourge Of injuries and
the failure Of Willis Hudlin to pitch
winning ball. The casualties have re-
covered, Hudlin has announced him
self ready to do o comeback, so Peck
feels he has every right to be opti-
mistic.
with the brilliant Eddie Morgan
married, on his honeymoon and an
avowed base ball deserter, there re-
mains Johnny Hodapp, Earl Averill and
Dick Porter TO carry the batting bur-
den. They were three Of the most
dangerous clubherS in the league last
season. II Lew Fonseca, who viii fill
in for the Grant Morgan at first, should
regain his sticking form Of two years
ago. when he led the circuit, the In
dams would have enough punch for all
practical purposes. Uncertain strength
at third base appears to be Peckin-
paugh's greatest problem.
Terrell Is Nucleus.
In Yves Terrell, the youngster who
has won As ball games his first two
years up, the Indians have the founda-
ton for a fairly strong mound staff.
Ferrell was credited with rs triumphs
last season and was second only to
the great Grove in that respect.
Clint Brown, Mel Harder. Walter
Miller, Milhurn Shoffner, Pete Jablo-
nowsld and Hudlin are other veterans
returning. Brown and Harder helped
Terrell carry the load last season, but
Peck expects Hudlin and the veteran
Miller to rally around this campaign.
Jahlonowski proved himself . reliable
relief man last year.
Regarded as the most promising new
timber are Howard Craghead, who won
81 and lost the same number for Oak
land, and Fay Thomas, q Highlander
who led the Coast League with PIT
strike -outs last year. Belve Been and
Roxie Lawson are back for further
trial.
with Fonseca anxious to step into
Morgan's big shoes at the initial corner
and Hodapp back at second, the right
side of the Indians infield gives Peck
no worry. Fonseca's ailing arm Of last
season Is sound IS dollar, he says
Jonah Goldman, who looked great the
latter part Of 80, Is tagged for the
shortstop assignment, at least tempo
rartly. He has some stiR competition
from Bill Hunnefield and Carl Lind,
both Of whom held the Job at times
last year. Johnny Burnett. a mild sem
sation until a broken arm laid him out
last season, and George before, q $50
slugser from New Orleans, comprise the
third baSing hopes.
. Vismik Is Threat.
Averil at center and Porter in right
form two-thirdS Of q great outfield.
The veterans Bib Falk and Charlie
Jameson and speed ycurgster, Bob
Seeds, return to contest for the third
patrol. Joe Vosmik, q 20-year-
from TerTe Haute might keep all three
Of them on the bench. He led the
1877 last season and observers say he
Is ready to go in big company.
The rather weak hitting but depend
able Luke Sewell heads the Indians
backstoppeFs, with Glenn Myatt again
billed as the alternate. Joe Spring, q
fine receiver but mediocre hitter last
year, rounds out fair catching corps.
Taking them by and large, the
Indians do not resemble championship
timber, but they have q chattel mort
gage on the first division.