The Wilmington morning star., 1945-03-04
All Teams Plan To Operate
On Full Schedule With
Small Nucleus
Bv CARL LUNDQU1sT

DIV NAnA AOANDV 49,
United Press Staff Correspondent
NEW YORK. March 3.-UP)-
The major leagues, still facing a
definitely uncertain manpoWer out
look. begin spring training next
week with the smallest nucleus OF
players in modern times.
Every team in both leagues is
operating Jon a day-to-day basis
with top flight stars. who were
ATS or deferred for dependency
reasons last season, expected to
face new draft examinations be-
fore the general opening on April
ID. I
The Washington Senators get the
northern spring conditioning pro-
gram underway at nearby College
Park, Md, on Wednesday, March
7, and on the following day the
Chicago Cubs will pitch camp at
French Lick, Ind. None of the other
teams will begin activities until the
following week, when all of them
will be in training.
DCCduoG VI VIC SOlAA1l1OAAa1 81
ahead for baseball from President
Roosevelt, the sympathetic attitude
of War Mobilizer James F. Byrnes
and the agreement for travelling
conditions worked out with Office
of Defense Transportation Director
j. Monroe Johnson, baseball lead
ers were hopeful that there would
be a special provision in the legis-
lation for players. .
A check of tentative major
league rosters reveals that practi
cally all clubs have suffered some
manpower losses, with a number
of key players going or slated to go.
The picture briefly was as follows:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
st. Louis Browns-Less affected
than most. Will take field with viz
tually same starting lineup which
won first American League pennant
for Browns last season.
Detroit Tigers-Loss of Outfield-
er Dick Wakefield, who spanked
late season pennant bid, a stag
gering blow, but pitchers Dizzy
Trout and Hal Newhouser might
lead club to pennant if they have
another big year.
Boston Red Sox-Catching staff
completely depleted with all three
1914 regulars gone. Top stars of
1914 season. Pitcher Cecil TEX
Hughson and Infielder Bobby
Doerr. before end of that campaign.
Shortstop Lamar (Skeeter) New
some indicted recently.
New York Yankees - Banking
strongly on Pitcher Hank Borowy,
who may stay in war job unless
draN legislation clarifies status.
Otherwise few changes.
New York Yankees - Banking
strongly on pitcher Hank Borowy,
who may stay in war job unless
draft legislation clarifies status.
Otherwise few changes.
Philadelphia Athletics - Depend
ing for pitching strength on four
men honorably discharged from
service, may lost First Baseman
Bill McGhee, who has passed ply
steal but may not be indicted un-
til July.
Washington Senators-Still hop
ing to strike winning combination
with draft-exemp Cubans, II ex-
pected to report. Not likely to be
contenders.
Chice.ro White Sox-Induction of
star relief pitcher Gordon Maltz-
berger biggest loss. Have 80 players
on roster including two catchers
and an infielder signed last week.
Also lost l8-year-old rookie Gene
Thomas.
Cleveland Indians-Biggest blow
would be loss of Manager Lou Bou-
dreau who might stay on war
plant job. Otherwise little affected
with outfield Felix Mackiewicz
passing physical but not yet called.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
St. Louis Cardinals-Top hitter
Stan Musial inducted, catcher Wal
ker Cooper and Pitcher Max Lanler
slated to 60 Martin Marion, best
major league shortstop also may
go. Loss of all would put world
champion Cards in about same
category as other good National
League teams.
Pittsburgh Pirates-Played best
ball in majors last six weeks of
1914. May be the team to dethrone
Cards-if they are dethroned-
since player losses have been ligH.
Cincinnati Reds-Depending on
strong pitching staff Loss of iron
man catcher Ray Mueller, who
didn't miss a game last year. big
gest blow. Outfielder Estel Crab
tree retired but didn't play regu-
larly
Chicago Cubs--Hopes largely de-
pend on whether slugger Bill Mich
olson is indicted. Loss of two regu-
lars, Pitcher Les Fleming and Out
fielder Dom Dallesandro also
Vital
New York Giants-Have acquired
several young pitchers, but still
weak on infield. No important play
er losses.
Brooklyn Dodgers-Wil1 be in bad
shape if lose Catcher Mickey Owen
an excellent handler of young pitch
ers. Have lost Pitcher RUDE Mel
,on. Depending on numerous young |
'ters in key positions. ,
Philadelphia P h lille s. Lost :
heir best player. Ron Northey, and
Indication Of how serious player
shortage is going to be, signed
'9-year-old catcher Gus Mancuso.
Boston BRA Mead .11,thinor |