The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-03-30
YANKEE EATERS .nNOT SO HOT" IN
 SPRING TRAINING
LindeIl May Prove Rookie Pitch of the Year; First
 Base Unsettled
BY GEORGE KKRKsEY United Press Stan CerrOspOndenfl

& S6SAgSIA8 AAAANAAeNA@ United Press Stan CerrospondentI
 St Petersburg, Fla, March 90 = (UP)--The Yankees stt1 are tho class of the American league but they aren't ready to defend their laurels. Lately they've been winning games on balks, tipped bats, wild pitches and errors. They haven't shown too much authority Ut bat and their pitching has been only so- SO.
 The Tanks might go on to win the pennant by as many games as they please but there is some reason to believe they are going to have some early trouble. They are behind in their training and some of the stars appear to be taking too much for granted. The situation isn't serious but the Tanks will have to come fast in the next two weeks Co be sharp when the season opens.
 Problems
 Manager Joe Mccarthy, even as any other manager, has his prob lens this spring. First base still is unsettled. Buddy Hassett, the Na- tional League castoff, may not be the answer to the first base vacancy. Big Ed Levy is hustling for the job but he's 6 right-handed hitter and Mccarthy would prefer a left-hand- ed one. Gerry priddy, booked to play third because of Red Rolfe's poor health, still has to prove he can hit major league pitching. Priddy looks good in the field but he hit only .2l3 last season and hasn't shown signs of recovering his Kan~ sas City batting eye.
 A few of the Yankee stars may be over the bill. Bill Dickey is con1~ ing on to 35. He can't 90 ct top speed any more. Red Ruffing as almost 37. He had some trouble go- ing nine innings last year and VIII have more this year. Lefty Gomez ia another in the question mark class. He can still be useful but his days of authoritative pitching are behind him.
 The strength of the Yanls 1a their pitching, the second base play of Joe Gordon and Phil RlxElto the hitting of Joe DlMaggio and Charlie Keller No team can Come close to the Tanks in pitching depth Granting that Ruffing and Gomez. who won 30 games between them last year, may slump to the low 2O9 this season, the Tanks still do not have to worry about pitching.
 Alley Donald, who had Q sore back this time last year and looked like he was through, is the best looking pitcher on the Yankee stan this spring. He might be Q 20-game winner. Behind him are likely to come Ernie Bonham and Mar1us Russo, who pitched masterpieces in the World Series. Spud Chandler and Marvin Bruer vii contribute any, where from 10 to i5 victories each If they get the work. Johnny Mur- phy and Red Branch are back for the relief jobs.
 Best Rookie?
 Of the rockies, Johnny Tinuell, . six-foot, four-inch 200-pounder who won g and lost four for Newark last year, looks like he might be the American Leagues rookie of the year. He has everything including Q deceptive slider which he added to his repertoire last season. HanR Borowy, bothered by blister on his finger, may beat out Mel Queen, Q fast baller for the other job on c 1l-man staff.
 With Hassett or Levy ct first, Gordon at second, Rizzuto ct short and Priddy at third the Tanks will have half a new inflield. Rolfe, who reported late, still has hopes Of crowding Priddy out of his job. Levy has shown more punch than Hassett but can't field with the former Na- ional leaguer. If Hassett and Prid- dy start, the Tanks won't be aS strong on the attack aS heretofore. Frankie Crosetu will do the utility chores.
 The outfield Is set with Keller in left, DiNGaggio in center and Henrich in right Henrich's draft status is ua. certain and he might be re-classifie6 into IA. George Selkirk, George Stainback from the Tigers and Bis Mike Chartak, who also can play first, are battling for the two uttls ity jobs. If the Tanks don't keeB Cartak, Washington is waiting tS grab him on waivers.
 Dickey will be the No. catcher again with Buddy Rosar getttna more work than last year. Aaron Robinson, from Kansas City, and Ken Sears, from Newark, are conn peting for the third-string job. Rob- inson has the edge because of his greater ability.