Evening star., 1932-03-15
INCREASED PUNCH
IN CLUB EXPECTED
Cincinnati Now Looking to
Herman for PoWer-HoWley
Likes Pitchers.
(Note-This Is the eighth OF series
OF frst-hand stories on major league
club pYOspects)
BY ALAN GOULD,
Associated Press Sports Editor.

T<AMPA, Fla, March 15.-The
camp of the Cincinnati
i Reds today buzzed with
confidence as Manager Dan
Howley expanded on the prospects
of climbing out of the National
League cellar as result of the
clubs sensational siX-player swap
with Brooklyn.
The deal brings to Redland the as
sorted services of Outfielder Floyd
(Babe) Herman, one of the leagues
heaviest hitters; Catcher Ernest Lom-
bardi and Third Sacker Walter Gilbert
in exchange for Tony Cuccinello and
Joe Strip, infielders, and Clyde Suke-
forth, backstop.
Having already displayed signs of i'm
provement, the Cincinnati club, in. How
ley's opinion, is now in position to 90
out and slug with any team in the
league, without getting any the worst
of 1t.
"This deal may make the club" de-
clared Dan. 1.-THE one thing certain was
we couldn't 60 far with the same out
fit we had last year. We had to shake
things up. I feel We got just what we
needed.
Sure Herman Will Sign.
Herman, as well as lombard. will
add terrific punch to our lineup. I
know the Babe. He will sign all right
when he gets here. He will hustle for
me and produce plenty of base hits.
And don't think he can't go snag 'em,
just because he looks awkward.
Imagine how much stronger we will
be with an outfield consisting of Crab
tree, Douthit and Herman. all three of
whom can bag 'em, hit 'em and run
the bases. Then we will have in reserve,
mind you, such clouterS as Harry He'll
mann and Wally Roettger. I may alter
nate Roettger with Crabtree, depending
on the pitching"
It. was no secret around the red
bailiwick that Strip and Cuccinello,
both holdouts, were due for change
in scenery. 1t was just question of
where they would go and what could
be obtained for them. Both are first
rate inflelders, who may promptly show
the benefits of a change, but Cincin-
natl seems to have adequate replace
ments.
Good Infield Material.
Howley has been working an infield
consisting of Mickey Heath at first,
George Grantham, the former Pirate,
at second; Peppery Leo Durocher, &C.
cupying the short field, and Andy High
on third. 1t has looked first class.
However, the Red leader can try Gill
bert at third, experiment with his
highly -touted st. Paul recruit, Joe Nor
risey, at either short or second. and
put Grantham on first base, if Heath
fails to come through.
I'VE are a cinch to be just as good
or better around the inf1eld, with 100
per cent more punch and 100 per cent
more strength behind the bat," said
Howley.
''Sukeforth is a good catcher, but
can't stand steady work. Now we have
an experienced, f1rst-class receiver in
Clyde Manion, drafted from Milwaukee,
and hard hitting, hard working, young
fellow in lombard This boy is only
"a and has one of the greatest throw
ing arms I have ever SEEN"
The pitching staff looks doubtful,
but Howley insists he isn't worried
about it. Discussing this, he says:
Thinks Well Of Pitchers.
"Red Lucas and 81 johnson will be
better than ever There aren't many
as good as these two fellows anywhere
else in the league Owen Carroll looks
right to me for the first time in years.