Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-13
STRENGTH ON HILL
| BIG If WITH AS
Griffs and Yanks Seen as
Notwithstanding Is
Cleveland Problem.
BY PAUL NICHOLSON,
Associated Press Sports Writer


~HICAGO, April 13.-Having
watched their National
~ League cousins reap gate
receipt harvests for four
straight years while they eagerly
snatched world series glory,
American League clubs set out on
their 1881 base ball wars tomor-
row with renewed but rather
doubtful hopes of a tighter pen
nant race.
Most of the experts, accustomed to
seeing the league stage somewhat top
heavy pennant race for the past few
years, predict just another romp for
Connie Mack and his Philadelphia Ath-
leticS, with only a little interesting
crowding by Washington. New York
and perhaps Cleveland. The club own
ers, however, join with their managers
in predicting the closest race in years
from start to finish, and in first as
well as second division.
A careful sitting of claims and hopes
Just before the big getaway indicates
that the key to the situation is held by
the Athletics, who have been running
away with the flag for two straight
years. Connie Mack, perhaps with a
feeling Of remorse, has failed to
strengthen his championship front for
the 1881 campaign, except for a few
reserves, While the rest of the clubs
have strengthened their forces in vary
ing degrees.
Macks Big "If."
The big 'if" Of the race centers
around the Athletic pitching staff. If
Lefty" Grove and big George Earn
shaw are as good as they were last
year the AS probably will repeat, no
matter what the reserves accomplish.
If either of Mack's two pitching aces
experience poor season, and no re-
serve pitcher comes through in big
style, the whole race may be turned
upside down.
Walberg and Mahaffey, two pitchers
who helped Grove and EarnshaW last
season, haven't looked so we'll this
Spring, although Hank Mcdonald,
husky 20-year-old pitcher purchased
from Portland of the Pacific Coast
League, has caused many q smile to
ripple across Comics face. If Nc
Donald comes through and Grove and
Earnshaw are in form, the AS, with
their terrific batting punch, probably
will repeat easily. s
Walter johnson and his Washington
Senators and the New York Yankees,
piloted by the same Joe Mccarthy who
lifted the Cubs out of base balls wilder1
ness in the National League, are the
two clubs which are expected to end
the domination of the Athletics IL any
team does It. OF the two the Senator's
look the strongest because of excellent
pitching, timely attack. a tight infield
and the spirit that moldS champion
ship teams. The Yankees, still pos
sessing great punch at the plate, are
contenders although their pitching is OF
. suspicious quality. Given good pitch.
ing, the Yanks probably would extend
the AS to the limit, but they don't
appear to have It,
Fielding is the big Cleveland problem
Errors on defense beat the Indians last
year.
Others An Stronger.
Detroit, Chicago, Boston and st Louis
all have been strengthened during the
Winter and Spring shopping season, but
none is expected to startle the league
the White Sox appear to be the NEST
improved. although they, like Cleve-
land. must prove their ability on de-
Tense. Detroit has good attack and
fair defense, but pitching worries
Manager Bucky Harris. The Browns
have pitching and fielding, but light hit
tiers. trouble likewise afnicting the
Boston Red Sex, who have made great
improvements over last year.
Two new managers will be in the
league for the tiiirty-second season,
John "Shano" Collins of the Red Sox
and Mccarthy of the Yankees. Too,
for the first time since its existence.
the league will open campaign without
nard's sudden death last month.