The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-05
BY GEORGE KIRSKEY United Press Staff CorreSnOnden

United Press Staff Correspondent
 New York, April 5-(UP)-The National League is a pitchers league and the Cincinnati Reds have the pitching. That's the main reason why Bill McKechnie club will win again and become the first team to repeat in the senior circuit since the Giants copped the flag in 1936-37
 But it's going to be another red- hot race with four and perhaps five other clubs making gestures at the big prize. The Reds won with 97 victories in 1899. They'll have stronger club this season but they won't win as many games beause i the league will be better-b balanced. Cincinnati's main opposition should come from the Cardinals They have the makings of pennant winner but may be a year or more away. The Cubs, Dodgers, Giants and Pirates all have possibilities ranging in that order but it's on- ceivable that any one of those four might be the years big flop because dll dIG WILL II
 In trying to knock down the Reds, some of the critics have judged them on their world series showing against the Tanks. Unlike the Cubs who lost their poise and equilibrium after the 1888 Yankee debacle, the Reds have profited by their sad showing. Ernie Lombardi, who took nap at home plate in the last game hasn't been faxed by the ridi- cule he's been subjected to during the winter. He's shown more pep and hustle than in any spring camp in memory. Harry Craft, 35 pounds heavier and well man, is bent on proving that his poor series showing was caused by his physical condition.
 Nifty Mound Corps
 But the heart and soul of the Reds is their pitching staff, headed by Paul Derringer and Bucky Walters who won 52 games between them last year. They are as sure to win 20 games each this season as any pitcher in baseball. In addition they are going to get more help than they had a year ago. Gene Thomp- son is the leagues brightest young pitcher. Whitey Moore is coming along. Wander Nicer isn't through, as some hint. Jim Turner gives McKechnie the veteran spot man" he needs to beat the seond division clubs. Joe Beggs is liable to be life-saver as a erlief man.
 In addition, the Reds have first lass defense sto back up their pitch ing. The infield of Mccormick, Frey or Joost, Meyers and Werber, can match any infield in the league. Ii either Mccormick or DiMaggio plays left, the Cincinnati outfield is the loops best defensive trio. And for punch, Goodman, Mccormick and Lombardi can't be laughed off. The Cardinals, who tralled the Reds by a 4 1-2 games last year, have definite problems that are go- ing to weigh heavily against them over the route. Their infield is un- certain. Joe Medwick's mental at titlde after being forced to sign contract he swore he would never accept, isn't conductive to further ing the St. Louis cause. Ray Blades method of juggling his pitchers leaves much to be desired in pen nant contender, But with 1t all, the Cards have the punh.
 The Cubs are another "1f' team. Hartnett is definitely on the spot as manager. Muh depends upon the pithing of Clay Bryant and Dizzy Dean. and the solution of the short- stop problem.
 Fourth Place:
 Brooklyn is likely to skip notch. The addition of Vosmik and Cullen bine hasn't given the Dodgers the n1rch they need so badly. Casey and Hamlin are two possible 20 game winners, but Wyatt is still troubled with his knee.