The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-17
Today;s Sport
 Parade
BY HENRY McLEMORE United Press Staff COrresp0ndent)

' \
 Jacksonville, Fla, March IT, OP).-The St. Louis Browns are the only major league team never to win a pennant, and take it from this inexpert observer their record is safe for another year at least.
 I make this prediction with utter confidence. following a close study of the information gathered on the Brownies when I passed through San Antonio a few days ago. Two DO trsons in complete agreement with me arc Bill Dewitt, the general manager of the club and the man who really runs it, and Fred Haney, the brand new manager.
 Haney, who managed the Toledo Mud Hens last year, thinks he can make the team better than 1t was last year, however, and his optim- ism, oddly enough, is based on the fact that he is newcomer, a stranger to his players. He believes that, having developed no likes or dislikes, he will be able to choose the best nine from the material available. and field team com- pletely free of friction and cliques.
 Haney brings pleasing, but strong personality to the Browns. He can handle men, and that is the sort of boss the team needs. A bit own-trodden in spirit, the Browns can use leader who refuses to be- lieve that seventh and eighth places are theirs by destiny, and that any higher goal is futile. The chief worry of the Browns is the pitching staff. which, at the moment, is headed by the Stubborn holdout, Buck New som. Buck wants $20,000-a grand for each game he won last year before he'll sign. When ne signs, and he will, his chief selpers will be Johnny Marcum, sore-arm boy from Buffalo; Fred Johnson, a sprightly gentleman of 43 who won a few games when he joined the club late last season; Ed Cole, who came up from Texas with whale of a reputation, which was deflated bit in major company; Russell Van Alta, another sore-arm doubtful and James 'Valkup. The rockies are Bill Trotter. getting his second fling in the majors; Harry Kimberlin, who complainsc of sore stomach; Bill Miller, a Hollywood product, and others of doubtful quality.
 The catching staff should be bet ter, with Joe Glenn, obtained from the Yankees, doing most of the work. Billy Sullivan will scrap it out with Harold Spindel, who was obtained via the draft from Seattle, for the Nofl 2 catching post.
 The outfeld will have Beau Bell, el Armada and Myril Hoag as the regulars. Bell, who batted 342 his first year up, slumped to 262 last season, but no one is worrying about him. He is a great natural hitter and will undoubtedly have a swell season. The first substitute probably will be Joe Grace, fine prospect who hit 1908 at Memphis last year.
 The infield $ problematical with Ralph Kress, shortstop, and Don Heffrer, secon baseman. holding out. Even if Heffner signs, he will have a tough time beating out OoAlahAy ACPddhiO, WllO Ildo bCClt sensational in spring training. Ob- tained from San Antonio, the young ster looks like sure 300 or better hitter and he fields sensationally. There is a chance that Sig Gryska, also up from the San Antonio farm, will get the shortstop call. A fine fielder, Sig is long distance clouter, a run-driver-in specialist, but he is as cratic as they come.
 Harland Gift, a topfiight work man, will take care of third base, and George McQuinn, who came from. Milwaukee to bat .324 in his first year in the majors and fielded .992, will take care of first.
 Given pitching staff, the Browns could cause plenty of trouble. But not even 8 magician. much less a plain citizen from Toledo, is going | to make one out of the stuff assim- oled at San Antonio.
 Copyright, 1889. by United Press) ]