Evening star., 1933-03-16
NEW PILOT RELYING
ON RESERVE POWER
Admits He Would Feel Much
Better if He Had One
More Good HurIer.
By Staf Correspondent of The Star.
7 OS ANGELES, Calf, March

| ~ QdrK-ndlreQ, SmlllnS, yeC u
very determined young man
when he sets himself an imme-
diate goal, honestly believes the
Giants, whom he is now whipping
into shape in California, have an
excellent chance of butting their
way into the first division and re-
manning there throughout the
coming National League pennant
fight.
True, the Giants were shooting for
a higher mark year ago when it was
case of a pennant or no count. But
it proved to be no count and lot Of
things have happened to those Giants
since then. Theirs has become far
more modest ambition.
But if they do land In the first divi-
sion Memphis Bill is willing to concede
considerable progress has been made
and at the moment he is equally conf
dent it can be accomplished.
..TT'S all a matter of the youngsters
i clicking with the boys left over
from the old machine" is Terry's
opinion.
And from what I've seen of the new
block, I don't believe the going will be
|
I've already begun to worry less about
the newcomers than some Of the old
hands, although they, too are coming
along in flrst-class shape.
Take the case of Travis Jackson. OF
course, wasn't at all surprised to see
him skip around when he reported for
I had seen Jax all Winter and knew the
operation on his knees had been sue
cessful
"Of course, he is not going to regain
his old-time form overnight. He did
no playing at all after his accident
early in June last year and naturally
it is going to take some time for him
to regain his former speed and agility.
But the fact that he is able to move
about without suffering any pain or dis
comflture is certainly very encouraging.
Then there are Johnny Vergez and
Hughie CritZ, who, along with myself,
make up at present the regular infleld
1t still is too early to make an accurate
forecast on the form VergeZ and Critz
will eventually hit, but both so far have
come along very nicely. Critz, espe-
cially, seems to be no longer worrying
about his arm the way he did a year
ago after he had injured it in. 1881, and
if Hughie can go in there and play
without fear OF consequences he is still
mighty good second baseman.
"A S for the first baseman, I think
"A we'd best pass him up with q
few words. My legs still feel
good enough for another complete cam
paign and I have promised the boys at
least $50 hating average. If I fall
down on either count, Terry, the first
baseman will be the first to hear
about it
But it is in the reserve strength that
I'm pinning a lot of hope. This
Blonde Ryan really looks like million
dollars to me right now and even
should jackson fail to hit his stride as
rapidly as we think he will, I am GER
tain Ryan vii, come through and do a
| good job at subbing at short for us.
stance when he reported, but I think
have helped him correct that and
I'm sure that from now on you'll see
an improvement in his hitting.
Then there is Joe Martin, who really
amazed me with the way he stepped
in and played third base. We signed
him as an outfelder, but from now on
he'll be an inhelder as long as have
anything to say about it.
As for Sam Leslie, all I can say Is
he is just good enough to keep me
hustling every step to keep him from
taking away my job at first. know
it's pretty tough on Sam just sitting
around waiting for me to break leg
or something. But that boy can sock
ball and by availing himself of every
opportunity for practice he has also
improved wonderfully in his fielding.
1 wouldn't hesitate a second to shove
him right into the front line were to
run into slump.
"OTT, Davis and Moore, I am sure,
~ will give us fine defensive out
field and one that will pack quite
a punch too. Davis has just been q
little slow in getting his eye on the ball.
but he's good hitter, fast and accu-
rate fielder and I'm positive thereu
never be anything to worry about on
that score. Moore, packing more weight
than he did a year ago, looks robust
enough now for a stiff campaign and
he, too. is fine all-around player.
Behind the plate won't hesitate
a second to say we'll show one OF the
best catching staffs in the league this
year. This Mancuso is a peach and
Richards too. will give us lot Of help.
"Now for the pitching. I'll admit "a
think more Of our chances II we could
come up with Just one more experienced.
dependable right-hander, but I guess
every manager in the majors Is feeling
about the same way. But even as 1t
stands, 1t may show up stronger than
some concede. Fitzsimmons reported In
marvellous condition. Never saw him
look like that in mid-seaSon, and I'm
certain he will give Hubbell lot OF
help in doing the brunt Of the work.
Par1nelee and Schumacher look about
ready to do what we expected OF them
a year ago, and Starr and Shores also
should help And don't overlook Luque
and Bell. This pair may save lot OF
games for us.
Among the youngsters. this young
left-hander, Al Smith. has surprised
got stuff and poise Johnny salveson.
too, has impressed me very much.
s. 4 ND there you are. It's team
n that could stand a little strength
ening in spots, but then show me
club In the league that also hasn't
couple of problems on its hands. Most
folks are picking the Pirates and Cubs
to fight it out for the flag. Right now
I won't dispute they're the standout
teams in the race. But don't forget
year ago they were picking us and the
Cardinals, and look what happened to
the pair of us. Tied for sixth place.
What nightmare!
"But 1t just goes to prove what un-
foreseen developments may come along
to throw a pennant race all out Of kilter.
II we can get away to reasonably
good start, and the team clicks as We
didn't click last year, don't be surprised
to see us up there giving as good as
we're receiving"
And with this Memphis Bill Terry
settled back in his chair, Lit q fresh
cigar and lost himself in deep reflection.
John McGraw, his illustrious predecessor,
turned gray and then q snowy white
developing Misunderstanding teams
for the Giants for 80 years. And Terry,
as he stroked his still jet blach hair.