Browning chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1941-1953, 1948-10-29


the Americ a n
league especially are worse
than disgracefuI. Some of the
American league teams wouldn't
run 1-2-3 in several of the
stronger minor leagues. They
are parasites, willing to live
off the money they draw from
better teams, but not willing to
spend important cash to keep
in the race
The second division of the Ma
tional league has far better ball
players than the second division of
the American, At least such teams
as the Phillies and the Reds made
attempts to get better ballplayers
such as Richie Ashburn, Hank
Sauer, Virgil Stallcup and others.
Both teams should have finished
better than they did.
1t has been something of shock
to see Chicago, with two clubs
crawling along in the mire, offering
stout defense for the two cellar
championships Both Cubs and White
SoA lldNC DCCl tGl lDlC dill lllC y Sdl.
Washington has been a joke. 1t is
hardly good minor league outfit.
All Teams Need Talent
Every team in the league will
need new talent. They all need
pitchers - especially pitchers who
know in what county the home plate
is located. The Braves need outfield
speed and outfeld arms. The Red
Sox need four or five good, depend
able pitchers. There is heavy
deficit in catchers. The crop is
running thin.
There is a definite need for better
physical conditioning. Few ball
players know what real condition
means. This goes for legs and
arms.
The Pirates proved what smart
management and sack full of
doubloons could do in year-from
tie for last place up to hot spot
in pennant contention.
A smart, aggressive front Of
fee can make big difference.
A stupid, timid front office can
wreck any team. And there are
more than a few of the latter
brand now operating. You can
look at the standing Of the clubs
and at least guess who most of
them are.
Well take up the case of the
American league first:
Yankees-First of all, the YAM
KEGS need Bucky Harris. Harris has
been one of the best in the game.
1t would be a baseball crime to let
him go, an act of complete stupid
ity. After this, the Yankees need
infield and pitching help badly. At
least two harder hitting infielders
and at least two new dependable
pitchers.
Their outfeld is high grade, but
their catching isn't any too hot.
And Joe DiMaggio is getting no
younger.
Pitchers for Red So1
Red Sox-At least three good
pitchers in addition to the crop
they have-which has been forced
to depend on Red Sox hitting pow
er. Even two good additional pitch
ers would be enough.
Indians-Less than any other
American league club. The Indians
can use some outfeld help, one
more infielder and another good
pitcher.
Athletics-Just about double the
speed they now have. Far too slow.
Joost and Majeski hardly likely to
repeat 1948's brilliant play.
Tigers-The biggest disappoint-
ment in baseball. Still have a fine
pitching staff. Someone should
clean out most of the others by
sales and trades. Club spirit poor.
Present squad is going nowhere.
Browns, White Sox, Senators
Browns much the best of
these derelicts. They have
some good ballplayers. White
SOx and Senators will need
heavy cash and several years to
reach even partial respectable
ity. They will likely continue to
be clinging parasites, living on
the rest of the league - prac-
tically beyond all hope for
long time to come.
Here are a few National leagues
needs for 1919:
The Braves-More outfield speed
and better throwing arms. Pitching
help to relieve Sain and SPAIN, two
fine workmen. At least two new
dependable pitchers needed badly.
The Dodgers-They we're easily
the best team in the league this
season by six or seven games. Jus.
keep what they have and use it
intelligently, which Brooklyn didn't