The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-17
DODGERS ALL SET IN EVERY
 OTHER SECTION
Wyatt, Casey, Davis, Gris- som to Help; Fitz 40 in
 July; Medwick a (?)
Editors Note: Following is the ninth of a series of winter stories on the 16 major league cIubs.)
BY GEORGE KIRKSEY United Press Staff Correspondent

OA "HO1O6 GAAkSNO61
 United Press Staff COrrespondent)
 New York, Jan. IS - CUP0 - Next year" may arrive in Brooklyn in 1941. Ever since Uncle Wilbert Robinson piloted the old superbas to a pennant in 1920 the Flatbush faithful have been chanting, "waitIl next year."
 Class is written all over the 194l Dodgers. They have the best catch ing staff in the league, solid de- fenSive infield and a powerful out field. Whether the Dodgers climb those golden stairs is quite likely to depend on the pitching staff.
 Last year the Dodgers best pit cher was Fat Freddy Fitzsimmons, who set an all-time National League record by winning 16 games and losing only two. Fitzsimmons will be 40 next July and can no longer be expected to pitch more than an occasional game. The job of leading the Brooklyn staff will pass to young Kirby Higbie, some times called the National Leagues Bob Teller because of his blazing fast ball. The Dodgers shelled out $100,000 and three ball players to the Phillies for Higbie, who won IA and lost 19 for a holelessly last place club in 1940. There is every reason to believe that Higbie will prove a star in his new surround ings.
 C0nd ToIn~1@
 Behind Higbie the Dodgers have Whit Wyatt, Hugh Casey, Luke HAmlin, Curt Davis and Lee Gris- som in the first line. Wyatt and Casey were expected to be 20-game winners last season. Neither made it, with Casey ill particular failing to measure up to expectations. If either Wyatt or Casey comes through with big season in 1941, the Dodgers will have to be reckon ed with all the way.
 Manager Leo Durocher will pick the rest of his staff from Ed Head, Wesley Flowers, Max Macon, Tex Carleton, Steve Rachunok, Al Sher- CT, Kemp Wicker, Bill Swift and Van Mungo. Carelton and Swift are likely to team with FitzsimmonS for relief work. Mungo's case Is far from bright and he may go back to the minors. None of the others are like ly to cut much ice in the pennant fight.
 The Dodgers infield is all set un. less Uncle Sam should call thirc Baseman Cookie Lavagetto to tht colors. If that should happen Lew Riggs, obtained from the Reds in z winter deal, can take over the ho corner. Dolf Camilli at first, Pet Coscarat at second and Pee Wet Reese at short man those position! more than acceptably. Reese, whc was hit in the head and then broke his heel, is one of the % classiest shortStopS the National League ha. seen in years. If his frail physique can stand the rigors of 154-gamt campaign, Reese is likely to become the kingpin of National League ShortfielderS.
 Question Mark
 Another key man in the Brooklyn picture is Joe Medwick, who wal bought for a tremendous outlay ot cash last season and failed to live up to his price tag. A bean ball put Medwick out of action and interfer. red with his play but toward the end of the season he regained hi! old batting eye and finished with ar average of .301. The Medwick of tho Gashouse days will maEe a tre. mendous difference in the Dodgel team.
 With Medwick in left, the res of the outfield is likely to oe Dixie Walker in center and young Pet, Reiser, who has shown flashes O. real hitting ability, in right. Walkel will have competition for his spo from Young Charley Gilbert, wh, is better defensively but can't hi with Walker. The other outfielder are Joe Vosmik, Jimmy Wasdel (who also can play flrst) ans George Staller, a hard-hitter iron 1 Montreal. Joe Gallagher is due tt move to Montreal.
 The Dodgers catching staff is on, of the teams strongest depart ments with Mickey Owen, purchaset from the Cards, and Babe Phelp sharing first line duties and Her man Franks in the No. spot.