St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1960-04-08
Daniels Figures
High In Pirate
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NHlCdBO NANH) Inc GlLJS-
burgh Pirates, something of dis
appointment last season in the
National League, will assume a
dark horse role this year
Manager Danny Murtaugh be-
lieves that if he can get consistent
work from Bonnie Daniels, the
Pirates could pick up the marbles.
Just as the BUGS reported to train
ing at Fort Myers, Murtaugh de-
clared that Daniels would be his
fourth starting pitcher this season.
Murtaugh also is looking for
help from Roberto Clemente, his
star outfielder; Roman Mejias, an
other outfielder from last season;
Joe Christopher, an outfielder up
from Columbus; r. c. Stevens,
first baseman; Alvin jackson and
Earl c. Francis, pitchers.
Speaking of Daniels, Murtaugh
says:
Il think that Ben has as much
stuff as anyone in the league. He
could become a big winner with
us.
AT times last year he showed
it, but then other times he was
just $3.50. He's big and strong
and there were a couple of times
when he pitched with just two
days rest.
Controls Big Problem
Perhaps it was self-confidence
that he lacked, if 50, that one year
in the big leagues may have been
the answer.
His problems in the past have
been with control. He was always
behind the hitters."
The control trouble doesn't show
up in Daniels record. During the
season he hurled 1O1 innings, issu-
ing only 80 bases on balls. But
at times, he was in hot water all
through the game, pitching 3-and-2
to many batters. He never COM
pleted a game and had a 7-and-9
record.
Daniels, in organized baseball
since 1851 1.-TWO years out for mill
tary service), has been a consist
ent winner in the minors since
1855. His best year was with Lin
coin in 1856 when he led the West
ern League with a 1873 mark and
a percentage of 1913.
Clemente Also Figures
Clemente batted .296 last year
and fondly looks forward to bat
ting. Plagued by an arm injury,
he went on the disabled list in
early May and when he returned
to the lineup in July, he batted at
a .316 clip the rest of the way
Roberto has one of the strongest
throwing arms in baseball.
Stevens, after being discharged
from military service, spent most
of the season with st. Lake City
in the Pacific Coast League, bat
ting .2S7. He is a strong hitter
and, while he might not win a
regular position, he can be useful
as a pinch-hitter.
Filling in ably last season for
the crippled Clemente, Mejias is
valued highly for his pinch-hitting
ability. He is also a capable de-
fensive performer.
Jackson saw brief service with
the Pirates last season, but spent
most of the season with Columbus
in the International League, where
he won Is and lost 4. The left
handler has a chance Of sticking as
a member of the Pittsburgh relief
corps.
Christopher batted .301 for Col
umbus and also saw some service
with the major league club.
Francis performed on the mound
for Salt Lake City, winning and
losing in 20 games.
In addition to these players on
the parent club roster, others in
the spring training camp for the
Pirates include:
Gene Baker, former utility play
er, who was on the disabled list
last year, is trying for a comeback;
infielder Reg Hamilton, up from
Columbus, Ga, of the Sally League;
catchers Orlando McFarlane and
Elmo Plaskett, who played for
both Columbus clubs last year, and
pitcher Bob Veale, who won IL and
lost five for Wilson in the Carolina
League last year.