The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-04
1 N. Y. TANKS MAY
 BE CROWDED FOR l 1888 PENNANT
World Champs Looked Bad in South; Tigers,
 Indians Dangerous

lluidllS DdllXCEOuS Editors Note: Following is a
 roundup of the activities of the
 American league clubs during spring training.
 By GEORGE KIRKSEY
 United Press Staff Correspondent)
 St. Petersburg, Fla, April 4. (UP) There's a good chance that the American league race this season won't be another one of those "cut and dried" Yankee triumphs. The Yanks may win 1t again but there's enough evidence to indicate that anti Yankee opposition will be the severest since the Ruppert rifles took command of the baseball world two years ago.
 A majority of the press box boys favor the Tanks to make it three in row but they always go along with winner until beaten. Some of the shrewder baseball bigwags scent trouble for the Tanks.
 Connie Mack says the Tanks are far from invincible and that they'll find their third flag the hardest of all to win. Clark Grifflth comes out flatly and says the Tanks will be dethroned. Mickey Cochrane says he doesn't see how the Tanks can get any better and he firmly be- lieves the entire league is moving up to them.
 If spring exhibition games meant anything, the downfall of the Tanks could be safely predicted right now. They've looked feeble at bat. Their mighty power has been missing and their defense has wobbled in spots. But the Tanks have a habit of sav- ing their Sunday punches for the big show. Then too, Joe DiaMggio, who made the Tanks what they are today, has been absent because of his salary war with Col. Ruppert.
 More than ever injuries and "url- certain" ball players promise to play am major role in the pennant race. The Tanks have two in this class shortstop Frankie Crosetti, who hasn't played an inning this spring, because of 8 Charley Horse, and Pitcher Monte Pearson, whose in- effectiveness has made him a real problem.
 The Tanks most dangerous rivals, the Detroit Tigers, also have two key men in the doubtful class, Pitcher Tommy Bridges, who has g chipped bone in his right elbow and may not be able to pitch until May IS and Schoolboy Rowe, whose at tempted comeback must remain doubtful until he tries out his arm in May. The third-place Chicago White Sox received 8 cruel blow when Shortstop Luke Appling broke his leg and their ace pitcher, Monty Stratton pulled an arm muscle.
 All calculations point to the Tigers and Indians as the aYnkS two strongest rivals. The Tigers have the punch-featuring Geh- ringer, Greenberg and York-and the defense. Their main worry IS pitching, where the loss of both Bridges and Rowe might easily Kill them of as a stubborn challenger.
 Cleveland's bid to challenge the Tanks can't be laughed off when the Indians can toss pair or pitchers like Johnny Allen and Bob Teller into the fray. The Tribes in- field is none too stable but the team has punch and can make trouble under Oscar Vitt's driving leader ship.
 Of course, the Tanks supporters ask where can any team get long distance clouting to match DiMag- gio, Gehrig and Dickey, pitching to top Ruffing and Gomez, and gen. eral all-round class to top a world championship outfit that's virtual ly intact, barring mishaps and in juries. The argument is good, but remember what happened to the Tigers two years ago when they sought their third straight flag. Bad luck came in everywhere.
 The White Sox, who might have been dark-horSes, seem temporarily cut of the pennant picture because of injuries. They may even have to battle to stay in the first division now that they've temporarily lost Appling and Stratton plus their two leading run manufacturers. Zeke Bonura and Dixie Walker, who were traded away.
 In second division Washington and the Boston Red Sox seem to have made some improvement. Bonura will add teeth to the Wash- ington attack and if Al Simmons keeps up his spirited comeback the Senators may make serious first division bid despite an uncertain pitching staff.
 With the Red Sox, pitching Will determine everything. They have balanced veteran club that can make trouble with good pitching, but the Red SoX Young pitchers still seem year away.
 The Athletics and Browns are building. St. Louis, which had the worst pitching in the majors last season, promises definitely to have better hurling. If the As and Browns step up the pace a few notches, as seems likely, they can make world of difference in the American league race.
 Editors note: George Kirksey's