The Washington times., 1937-02-08

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Quantities
BY FRANK BUCK" O'NEILL


The leading factors in the col.
lapse of the Tigers last year were
the injury to Hank Greenberg
early in the season, when his
wrist was fractured in collision
with Jake Powell, and the sick
ness of Mickey Cochrane.
Whether or not the Tigers will
beat the Yankees in 1887 will de-
pend in great measure upon how
completely these men regain their
fern of 1885.
There are other factors to be
considered in weighing the pen.
nant chances of the Tigers this
year. There is Bill Rogell, ten.
year man who last year definitely
showed signs of slowing down to
a point where his value to the
team was debateable. In the out
field, the aging legs of Leon
Goose" Goslin may creak and
squeak and refuse to bear his
weight through a championship
campaign.
Other Questions
There may be some question
asked about the "curve ball" el-
bow of Tommy Bridges, who two
years ago was the toast of Wood
ward Avenue. And there may be
a question asked about the posi-
bll1tleS of LynWood "Schoolpoy"
Rowe.
Perhaps when critics last uues-
tionS have been answered and the
parks are silent for the winter, the
name of Detroit will lead all the
rest in the American League. De.
spite the doubts that center in the
above named athletes, there is
power on the club. There are
speed, ability and the will to win.
There have been rumors of feuds.
and these, if not carried too far,
will be a help rather than a hin
drance.
Despite pronounced bend in
his right elbow, a result of tossing
curve balls and not high balls,
Bridges was able to win % games
in 1885 and lead the Tigers.
Won 10 Games
Rowe, with a troublesome right
shoulder, took care of 19 victories
as against 10 defeats. Rowe was
not as effective as he might have
been, and allowed 4.52 earned runs
per nine inning game.
Elden Auker, mentioned fire.
quently as coming to Washington
in trade for Newsom, won 13
games and lost 16 games.
The most promising youngster
on the pitching list is Clyde Hat
ter, a left-hander, who won is
games with the Milwaukee club.
Bob Logan, another left-hander
from the Indianapolis club, won
16 games and lost 9 for the
HooSiers. George Coffman, from
Beaumont, is another fine pros
pect.
Behind the bat we have Coch-
rane-if he is able to play this
year. The writer met Cochrane
in Philadelphia not long ago, and
he announced that he was fully
recovered and ready to go.
Second String Catcher
Ray Hayworth is second string
receiver, and then come two
rockies. They are George, Teb-
belts and Mike fresh. Both give
high promise.
Cochrane is we'll prepared for
eVentualities in the infield. It
may happen that Cochrane will
decide to send Hank Greenberg
to the outfield. If the rangy
Greenberg is stationed in the
place formerly helc by the aging
GoSlin, we may find Rudy York.
the Statuesque Cherokee Indian
boy, at first base. York played
great ball in the American AS
Sociation last year where the
Tigers sent him for development.
Gehring, of course, looms as
second baseman. He is one of
the best infielders of recent
years, a StyliSt defensively and a
great hitter.
Rogell must be rated as the
Shortstop, but he may be ouSted
by some one of the kids. Owen
will be at third.
CneSIer LaaoS is youCn VINO
will make them all hustle for
place in the outfield. In fact,
Laabs looked as if he were ready
last spring when the writer saw
him in training camp. Gerry
Walker is certain starter in the
outfield, and it is quite likely
that AL Simmons will be in his
usual spot in the outfield.
The Tigers should finish in the
first three, and Mickey Cochrane
thinks he will win the flag again.
That, we may say in conclusion.
will be bit of a task.