The Sporting News Presents MLB Rosters: A CIE Supplement

[SelzShoes]

After considerable work and diligent review, the Sporting News presents what we believe to be the most complete list of contracted players of Major League Baseball. Without official word from either the National-American League or the Contential League, these should not be considered the final word on which team own which player’s rights. These lists were compiled by reviewing transactions since the end of the 1941 season, reviewing announced intentions to retire, and reviewing signings of collegiate and high schoolers during the war. It is true that not all of the players listed on a club’s roster are likely to participate for the 1946 season. Carl Hubbell, for example, at 42 will probably not suit up for the Giants. But there has been no announcement of his retirement, and given the chaotic nature of baseball today, there is a chance he could attempt to play.

Also missing from these lists are players who were released after the 1941 season, but not signed by another club due to the cessation of play. The most notable player of this kind would be former Cardinal first baseman Johnny Mize. It would be an impossible task for us to list every player who is not under contract.

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
George Armstrong 21 C No Major League Experience
Joe Astroth 23 C No Major League Experience
Earle Brucker 20 C No Major League Experience
Frankie Hayes 31 C .278 85 406
Hal Wagner 30 C .228 1 33
George Yankowski 23 C No Major League Experience
Dick Adams 25 1B No Major League Experience
Hank Biasatti 24 1B No Major League Experience
Ferris Fain 24 1B No Major League Experience
Bruce Konopka 26 1B No Major League Experience
Dick Siebert 34 1B .298 16 233
Bob Wellman 20 1B No Major League Experience
Crash Davis 26 2B .238 0 17
Irv Hall 27 2B No Major League Experience
Gene Handley 31 2B No Major League Experience
George Kell 23 3B No Major League Experience
Don Richmond 26 3B .200 0 5
Jake Caulfield 28 SS No Major League Experience
Billy DeMars 20 SS No Major League Experience
Pete Suder 29 SS .245 4 52
Jack Wallaesa 26 SS .150 0 2
Vern Benson 21 OF No Major League Experience
Sam Chapman 29 OF .284 80 308
Bob Johnson 40 OF .299 239 960
Dee Miles 37 OF .291 2 111
Elmer Valo 25 OF .397 2 6

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Bill Beckmann 38 20-24 4.75 95
Herman Besse 34 2- 3 9.17 27
Lou Brissie 21 No Major League Experience
Norm Brown 27 No Major League Experience
John Burrows 32 No Major League Experience
Joe Coleman 23 No Major League Experience
Dick Fowler 25 1- 2 3.38 8
Lee Griffeth 20 No Major League Experience
Bubba Harris 20 No Major League Experience
Lum Harris 31 4- 4 4.78 49
Alex Kellner 21 No Major League Experience
Jack Knott 39 80-92 4.93 451
Phil Marchildon 32 10-17 3.74 78
Bob Savage 24 No Major League Experience
Carl Scheib 19 No Major League Experience
Bobby Shantz 20 No Major League Experience
Porter Vaughan 26 2-11 5.83 52
Roger Wolff 34 0- 2 3.18 2

I might play around with this format a bit

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Leslie Aulds 25 C No Major League Experience
Matt Batts 24 C No Major League Experience
Johnny Peacock 36 C .287 1 121
Frankie Pytlak 37 C .284 7 271
Paul Campbell 28 1B .000 0 0
Walt Dropo 23 1B No Major League Experience
Jimmie Foxx 38 1B .332 519 1849
Tony Lupien 28 1B .474 0 4
Tom Carey 39 2B .275 2 166
Bobby Doerr 27 2B .290 57 365
Ernie Andres 28 3B No Major League Experience
Merl Combs 26 3B No Major League Experience
Joe Cronin 39 3B .303 156 1342
Jim Tabor 29 3B .286 52 285
Johnny Pesky 26 SS No Major League Experience
Leon Culberson 26 OF No Major League Experience
Dom DiMaggio 29 OF .290 16 104
Lou Finney 35 OF .288 26 376
Pete Fox 37 OF .302 59 524
Andy Gilbert 31 OF No Major League Experience
Billy Goodman 20 OF No Major League Experience
Catfish Metkovich 25 OF No Major League Experience
Ted Williams 27 OF .356 91 378
Tom Wright 22 OF No Major League Experience

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Mel Deutsch 30 No Major League Experience
Joe Dobson 29 17-15 4.99 153
Mickey Harris 29 12-16 3.71 147
Tex Hughson 30 5- 3 4.13 22
Earl Johnson 26 10- 7 4.34 72
Oscar Judd 38 0- 0 8.76 5
Windy McCall 20 No Major League Experience
Dick Newsome 36 19-10 4.13 58
Mike Palm 21 No Major League Experience
Mike Ryba 42 23-12 4.42 142
Charlie Wagner 33 17-12 4.13 91
Al Widmar 21 No Major League Experience

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Ferrell Anderson 28 C No Major League Experience
Bruce Edwards 22 C No Major League Experience
Mickey Owen 29 C .251 8 162
Don Padgett 34 C .292 34 277
Dolph Camilli 38 1B .285 205 779
Howie Schultz 23 1B No Major League Experience
Ed Stevens 21 1B No Major League Experience
Eddie Basinski 23 2B No Major League Experience
Billy Herman 36 2B .308 40 618
Alex Kampouris 33 2B .246 43 264
Gil Hodges 21 3B No Major League Experience
Cookie Lavagetto 33 3B .272 34 448
Eddie Miksis 19 3B No Major League Experience
Lew Riggs 35 3B .262 25 249
Tommy Brown 18 SS No Major League Experience
Leo Durocher 40 SS .247 24 564
Pee Wee Reese 27 SS .244 7 74
Stan Rojek 26 SS No Major League Experience
Cal Abrams 22 OF No Major League Experience
Chuck Connors 24 OF No Major League Experience
Carl Furillo 24 OF No Major League Experience
Augie Galan 33 OF .276 59 439
Gene Hermanski 25 OF No Major League Experience
Don Lund 22 OF No Major League Experience
Joe Medwick 34 OF .332 180 1047
Pete Reiser 27 OF .329 17 96
George Shuba 21 OF No Major League Experience
Duke Snider 19 OF No Major League Experience
Dixie Walker 35 OF .299 52 401



Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Johnny Allen 40 122-58 3.78 948
Rex Barney 21 No Major League Experience
Ralph Branca 20 No Major League Experience
Hugh Casey 32 40-29 3.43 203
Bob Chipman 27 1- 0 0.00 3
John Corriden 28 No Major League Experience
Curt Davis 42 113-91 3.54 489
Otis Davis 25 No Major League Experience
Carl Erskine 19 No Major League Experience
Hal Gregg 24 No Major League Experience
John Hall 22 No Major League Experience
Phil Haugstad 22 No Major League Experience
Kirby Higbe 30 49-43 3.79 359
Newt Kimball 31 7- 2 3.75 45
Clyde King 21 No Major League Experience
Cal McLish 20 No Major League Experience
Paul Minner 22 No Major League Experience
Erv Palica 18 No Major League Experience
Bud Podbielan 22 No Major League Experience
Elmer Sexauer 19 No Major League Experience
Whit Wyatt 38 71-70 3.99 674

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Toby Atwell 22 C No Major League Experience
Clyde McCullough 29 C .223 9 54
Rube Novotney 21 C No Major League Experience
Bob Scheffing 32 C .242 1 20
Rube Walker 19 C No Major League Experience
Heinz Becker 30 1B No Major League Experience
Eddie Waitkus 26 1B .179 0 0
Don Johnson 34 2B No Major League Experience
Danny Lynch 20 2B No Major League Experience
Lou Stringer 28 2B .246 5 53
Wayne Terwilliger 20 2B No Major League Experience
Cy Block 26 3B No Major League Experience
Stan Hack 36 3B .304 43 455
Rip Russell 31 3B .266 14 113
Bill Serena 21 3B No Major League Experience
Lennie Merullo 28 SS .353 0 1
Roy Smalley 19 SS No Major League Experience
Bobby Sturgeon 26 SS .242 0 27
Cliff Aberson 24 OF No Major League Experience
Bob Borkowski 20 OF No Major League Experience
Phil Cavarretta 29 OF .275 32 290
Dom Dallessandro 32 OF .264 7 132
Charlie Gilbert 26 OF .259 2 20
Hal Jeffcoat 21 OF No Major League Experience
Peanuts Lowrey 28 OF No Major League Experience
Bill Nicholson 31 OF .276 56 234
Lou Novikoff 30 OF .241 5 24
Marv Rickert 25 OF No Major League Experience



Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Russ Bauers 31 29- 29 3.53 278
Don Carlsen 19 No Major League Experience
Vallie Eaves 34 4- 8 4.46 46
Paul Erickson 30 5- 7 3.70 85
Warren Hacker 21 No Major League Experience
Ed Hanyzewski 25 No Major League Experience
Tony Jacobs 20 No Major League Experience
Emil Kush 29 0- 0 2.25 2
Bill Lee 36 123-101 3.45 772
Russ Meers 27 0- 1 1.13 5
Russ Meyer 22 No Major League Experience
Vern Olsen 28 24- 17 3.00 147
Claude Passeau 36 85- 92 3.59 662
Bob Rush 20 No Major League Experience
Johnny Schmitz 25 2- 0 1.31 11

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Al Lakeman 27 C No Major League Experience
Ray Lamanno 26 C .000 0 0
Johnny Pramesa 20 C No Major League Experience
Johnny Riddle 40 C .260 0 9
Dick West 30 C .236 2 27
Lonnie Goldstein 27 1B No Major League Experience
Ted Kluszewski 21 1B No Major League Experience
Frank McCormick 34 1B .310 59 472
Eddie Shokes 26 1B .000 0 0
Bobby Adams 24 2B No Major League Experience
Lonny Frey 35 2B .273 53 432
Benny Zientara 28 2B .286 0 2
Chuck Aleno 29 3B .243 1 18
Grady Hatton 23 3B No Major League Experience
Eddie Joost 29 SS .238 5 79
Bobby Mattick 30 SS .234 0 64
Frankie Baumholtz 27 OF No Major League Experience
Dain Clay 26 OF No Major League Experience
Harry Craft 30 OF .258 44 261
Jim Gleeson 34 OF .264 16 152
Ival Goodman 37 OF .282 91 449
Ernie Koy 36 OF .285 32 234
Garland Lawing 26 OF No Major League Experience
Eddie Lukon 25 OF .267 0 3
Mike McCormick 28 OF .294 5 61
Hank Sauer 29 OF .303 0 5
Bob Usher 21 OF No Major League Experience
Clyde Vollmer 24 OF No Major League Experience



Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Joe Beggs 35 19- 8 3.56 52
Jim Blackburn 21 No Major League Experience
Ewell Blackwell 23 No Major League Experience
George Burpo 23 No Major League Experience
Paul Derringer 39 180-163 3.44 1209
Eddie Erautt 21 No Major League Experience
Johnny Hetki 23 No Major League Experience
Buddy Lively 21 No Major League Experience
Joe Nuxhall 17 No Major League Experience
Kent Peterson 20 No Major League Experience
Elmer Riddle 31 20- 6 2.18 89
Johnny Vander Meer 31 42- 38 3.43 522
Bucky Walters 36 117- 95 3.43 674
Herm Wehmeier 19 No Major League Experience

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Dick Aylward 20 C No Major League Experience
Jim Hegan 25 C .319 1 5
Sherm Lollar 21 C No Major League Experience
Hank Ruszkowski 20 C No Major League Experience
George Susce 38 C .224 2 18
Les Fleming 30 1B .083 0 3
Eddie Robinson 25 1B No Major League Experience
Bobby Avila 21 2B No Major League Experience
Jack Conway 26 2B .500 0 1
Ray Mack 29 2B .247 22 121
Ken Keltner 29 3B .281 77 372
Ted Sepkowski 22 3B No Major League Experience
Ray Boone 22 SS No Major League Experience
Lou Boudreau 28 SS .274 19 176
Rusty Peters 31 SS .240 6 68
Hank Edwards 27 OF .221 1 6
Fabian Gaffke 32 OF .244 7 39
Jeff Heath 31 OF .305 74 370
Oris Hockett 36 OF .315 1 10
Dale Mitchell 24 OF No Major League Experience
Milt Nielsen 21 OF No Major League Experience
Pat Seerey 23 OF No Major League Experience
Roy Weatherly 31 OF .296 31 212
Gene Woodling 23 OF No Major League Experience



Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Jim Bagby 29 39- 47 4.65 218
Don Black 29 No Major League Experience
Chubby Dean 29 17- 30 5.68 120
Cal Dorsett 32 0- 1 10.22 5
Red Embree 28 0- 1 6.75 4
Bob Feller 27 107- 54 3.18 1233
Steve Gromek 26 1- 1 4.24 19
Mel Harder 36 176-140 3.87 928
Joe Heving 45 61- 41 4.24 335
Joe Krakauskas 31 24- 31 4.45 325
Bob Kuzava 22 No Major League Experience
Bob Lemon 25 No Major League Experience*
Al Milnar 32 48- 44 4.00 295
Al Smith 38 60- 54 3.98 371

*Lemon appeared in 1 game as a third baseman in 1941

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Joe Ginsberg 19 C No Major League Experience
Hank Riebe 24 C No Major League Experience
Birdie Tebbetts 33 C .272 14 191
Hank Greenberg 35 1B .325 249 1015
Rudy York 32 1B .295 148 543
Charlie Gehringer 42 2B .321 183 1420
Dutch Meyer 30 2B .209 1 20
Pinky Higgins 36 3B .298 110 800
Johnny Bero 23 SS No Major League Experience
Neil Berry 24 SS No Major League Experience
Moe Franklin 32 SS .300 0 0
Billy Hitchcock 29 SS No Major League Experience
Johnny Lipon 23 SS No Major League Experience
Eric McNair 36 SS .277 81 625
Hoot Evers 25 OF .000 0 0
Johnny Groth 19 OF No Major League Experience
Ned Harris 29 OF .213 1 4
Barney McCosky 28 OF .325 11 170
Pat Mullin 28 OF .339 5 23
Bob Patrick 28 OF .286 0 0
Rip Radcliff 40 OF .315 41 503
Dick Wakefield 24 OF .143 0 0
Vic Wertz 21 OF No Major League Experience



Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Al Benton 35 42- 40 4.44 313
Tommy Bridges 39 171-123 3.71 1430
Johnny Gorsica 31 16- 18 4.40 127
Ted Gray 21 No Major League Experience
Art Houtteman 18 No Major League Experience
Hal Manders 28 1- 0 2.35 7
Hal Newhouser 24 18- 21 4.83 199
Billy Pierce 18 No Major League Experience
Dizzy Trout 30 21- 26 3.87 224
Virgil Trucks 28 0- 0 9.00 3
Hal White 27 0- 0 6.00 2

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
George Dickey 30 C .135 2 9
Tom Jordan 26 C No Major League Experience
Mike Tresh 32 C .265 1 137
Tom Turner 29 C .225 0 14
Jake Jones 25 1B .000 0 0
Joe Kuhel 39 1B .285 112 803
Don Kolloway 27 2B .266 3 27
Cass Michaels 20 2B No Major League Experience
Skeeter Webb 36 2B .244 3 63
Dario Lodigiani 29 3B .259 16 128
Leo Wells 28 3B No Major League Experience
Luke Appling 38 SS .316 24 751
Fred Hancock 26 SS No Major League Experience
Billy Bowers 24 OF No Major League Experience
Guy Curtright 33 OF No Major League Experience
Jim Delsing 20 OF No Major League Experience
Bob Kennedy 25 OF .239 4 82
Dave Philley 25 OF .222 0 0
Moose Solters 40 OF .293 82 591
Taffy Wright 34 OF .327 21 314


Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Pete Appleton 41 55- 65 4.33 393
Bob Cain 21 No Major League Experience
Bill Dietrich 36 58- 73 5.06 413
Pete Gebrian 22 No Major League Experience
Jim Goodwin 19 No Major League Experience
Orval Grove 26 0- 0 6.92 6
Joe Haynes 28 11- 18 5.48 105
Howie Judson 20 No Major League Experience
Thornton Lee 39 86- 74 3.65 633
Ted Lyons 45 245-220 3.75 1013
Johnny Rigney 31 53- 53 3.66 501
Eddie Smith 32 45- 65 3.78 464

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Bob Brady 23 C No Major League Experience
Paul Burris 22 C No Major League Experience
Phil Masi 30 C .222 5 46
Buddy Gremp 26 1B .238 0 12
Earl Torgeson 22 1B No Major League Experience
Nanny Fernandez 27 3B No Major League Experience
Skippy Roberge 28 3B .216 0 15
Sibby Sisti 25 3B .250 8 90
Alvin Dark 24 SS No Major League Experience
Eddie Miller 29 SS .254 24 183
Whitey Wietelmann 27 SS .175 0 6
Bob Addis 20 OF No Major League Experience
Bill Bruton 20 OF No Major League Experience
Clint Conatser 24 OF No Major League Experience
Johnny Cooney 45 OF .292 2 208
Frank Demaree 35 OF .304 69 552
Carden Gillenwater 27 OF .160 0 5
Tommy Holmes 29 OF No Major League Experience
Chet Ross 29 OF .271 17 93
Bama Rowell 30 OF .280 10 124
Max West 29 OF .265 48 285

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Tom Earley 29 10-12 3.10 72
Dick Errickson 34 33-41 3.74 152
Johnny Hutchings 29 3- 7 3.92 59
Al Javery 27 12-15 4.72 96
Frank Lamanna 26 6- 4 5.23 26
Bill Posedel 39 39-43 4.45 218
Manny Salvo 32 21-35 3.90 196
Warren Spahn 24 No Major League Experience
Jim Tobin 33 48-39 3.54 240
Ace Williams 29 0- 0 16.00 5

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Harry Danning 34 C .286 56 363
Jim Gladd 23 C No Major League Experience
Bobby Hofman 20 C No Major League Experience
Sal Yvars 22 C No Major League Experience
Joe Lafata 24 1B No Major League Experience
Babe Young 30 1B .277 45 219
George Hausmann 30 2B No Major League Experience
Dick Lajeskie 20 2B No Major League Experience
Mickey Witek 30 2B .275 4 47
Dick Bartell 38 3B .286 69 658
Jack Lohrke 22 3B No Major League Experience
Billy Jurges 37 SS .263 32 531
Buddy Kerr 23 SS No Major League Experience
Morrie Arnovich 35 OF .287 22 261
Hal Bamberger 21 OF No Major League Experience
Lloyd Gearhart 22 OF No Major League Experience
Sid Gordon 28 OF .258 0 4
Whitey Lockman 19 OF No Major League Experience
Willard Marshall 25 OF No Major League Experience
Buster Maynard 33 OF .276 1 2
Mel Ott 37 OF .311 415 1555
Johnny Rucker 29 OF .290 5 65

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Ace Adams 34 4- 1 4.82 18
Bob Carpenter 28 13- 6 3.61 67
Harry Feldman 26 1- 1 3.98 9
Rube Fischer 29 1- 0 2.45 9
Andy Hansen 21 No Major League Experience
Carl Hubbell 42 238-142 2.89 1585
Dave Koslo 26 1- 2 1.90 12
Cliff Melton 34 64- 60 3.53 529
Hal Schumacher 35 142-104 3.36 809
Red Webb 21 No Major League Experience
Johnnie Wittig 31 5- 10 5.60 65

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Yogi Berra 20 C No Major League Experience
Bill Dickey 38 C .313 194 1129
Bill Drescher 24 C No Major League Experience
Buddy Rosar 31 C .290 5 85
Charlie Silvera 21 C No Major League Experience
Ken Silvestri 29 C .209 5 19
Joe Collins 23 1B No Major League Experience
Dick Kryhoski 21 1B No Major League Experience
Fenton Mole 20 1B No Major League Experience
Jerry Coleman 21 2B No Major League Experience
Joe Gordon 31 2B .275 107 398
Jerry Priddy 26 2B .213 1 26
Eddie Bockman 25 3B No Major League Experience
Billy Johnson 27 3B No Major League Experience
Red Rolfe 37 3B .293 61 472
Bobby Brown 21 SS No Major League Experience
Frankie Crosetti 35 SS .247 83 525
Phil Rizzuto 28 SS .307 3 46
Hank Bauer 23 OF No Major League Experience
Bob Cerv 19 OF No Major League Experience
Joe DiMaggio 31 OF .345 198 816
Tommy Henrich 33 OF .285 80 328
Charlie Keller 29 OF .304 65 298
Johnny Lindell 29 OF .000 0 0
George Selkirk 38 OF .293 108 566

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Tiny Bonham 32 18- 9 2.51 80
Norm Branch 31 5- 1 2.87 28
Spud Chandler 38 42- 20 3.77 187
Atley Donald 35 30- 12 3.52 192
Monk Dubiel 28 No Major League Experience
Lefty Gomez 37 183- 97 3.31 1427
Wally Hood 20 No Major League Experience
Don Johnson 19 No Major League Experience
Cuddles Marshall 20 No Major League Experience
Johnny Murphy 37 73- 37 3.64 295
Joe Page 28 No Major League Experience
Red Ruffing 41 244-209 3.85 1853
Marius Russo 31 36- 21 3.01 247
Charley Stanceu 30 3- 3 5.63 21

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Mickey Livingston 31 C .213 0 19
Stan Lopata 20 C No Major League Experience
Bennie Warren 34 C .229 22 76
Nick Etten 32 1B .294 17 119
Bill Glynn 20 1B No Major League Experience
Chuck Klein 41 1B .321 300 1198
Mike Goliat 20 2B No Major League Experience
Garvin Hamner 22 2B No Major League Experience
Harry Marnie 27 2B .229 0 15
Danny Murtaugh 28 2B .219 0 11
Willie Jones 20 3B No Major League Experience
Pinky May 35 3B .282 3 149
Jack Albright 24 SS No Major League Experience
Bill Burich 27 SS No Major League Experience
Granny Hamner 18 SS No Major League Experience
Johnny Blatnik 25 OF No Major League Experience
Mel Clark 19 OF No Major League Experience
Del Ennis 20 OF No Major League Experience
Stan Hollmig 20 OF No Major League Experience
Danny Litwhiler 29 OF .313 23 83
Jackie Mayo 20 OF No Major League Experience
Ron Northey 25 OF No Major League Experience

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Boom-Boom Beck 41 29- 61 4.44 285
Lou Grasmick 21 No Major League Experience
Lefty Hoerst 28 4- 10 5.20 36
Tommy Hughes 26 9- 14 4.45 59
Si Johnson 39 73-130 4.28 646
Dick Koecher 20 No Major League Experience
Bob Miller 19 No Major League Experience
Hugh Mulcahy 32 42- 82 4.51 298
Ike Pearson 29 9- 41 4.92 110
Al Porto 19 No Major League Experience
Lou Possehl 19 No Major League Experience
Robin Roberts 19 No Major League Experience

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Bill Baker 35 C .219 0 13
Spud Davis 41 C .309 75 627
Ed Fitz Gerald 21 C No Major League Experience
Roy Jarvis 19 C No Major League Experience
Al Lopez 37 C .265 47 509
Bill Salkeld 29 C No Major League Experience
Vinnie Smith 30 C .303 0 5
Elbie Fletcher 30 1B .272 47 350
Monty Basgall 24 2B No Major League Experience
Frankie Gustine 26 2B .270 2 104
Ed Leip 35 2B .274 0 5
Pete Castiglione 25 3B No Major League Experience
Lee Handley 32 3B .274 13 190
Alf Anderson 32 SS .215 1 10
Vic Barnhart 23 SS No Major League Experience
Billy Cox 26 SS .270 0 2
Johnny Barrett 30 OF No Major League Experience
Ted Beard 25 OF No Major League Experience
Frank Colman 28 OF No Major League Experience
Vince Dimaggio 33 OF .256 67 286
Bob Elliott 29 OF .288 11 159
Al Gionfriddo 24 OF No Major League Experience
Ben Guintini 26 OF No Major League Experience
Ralph Kiner 23 OF No Major League Experience
Culley Rikard 31 OF .200 0 0
Jim Russell 27 OF No Major League Experience
Bud Stewart 29 OF .267 0 10
Maurice Van Robays 31 OF .280 17 210
Johnny Wyrostek 26 OF No Major League Experience

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Ed Albosta 27 0- 2 6.23 5
Bill Brandt 31 0- 1 3.86 0
Max Butcher 35 57-71 4.28 311
Jack Cassini 26 No Major League Experience
Bill Clemensen 26 1- 1 5.58 17
Dutch Dietz 34 7- 3 2.80 30
Johnny Gee 30 1- 4 4.67 18
Hank Gornicki 35 1- 0 3.38 8
Ken Heintzelman 30 21-20 4.00 175
Lee Howard 22 No Major League Experience
Johnny Lanning 35 44-46 3.61 237
Rip Sewell 38 40-32 3.73 224
Nick Strincevich 31 5-10 5.58 67
Lefty Wilkie 31 2- 4 4.56 16

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Johnny Bucha 21 C No Major League Experience
Walker Cooper 31 C .251 1 22
Joe Garagiola 20 C No Major League Experience
Gus Mancuso 40 C .276 50 473
Del Rice 23 C No Major League Experience
Johnny Hopp 29 1B .296 5 66
Stan Musial 25 1B .426 1 7
Rocky Nelson 21 1B No Major League Experience
Ray Sanders 29 1B No Major League Experience
Estel Crabtree 42 2B .282 11 103
Solly Hemus 22 2B No Major League Experience
Nippy Jones 20 2B No Major League Experience
Lou Klein 27 2B No Major League Experience
Red Schoendienst 23 2B No Major League Experience
Tommy Glaviano 22 3B No Major League Experience
Eddie Kazak 25 3B No Major League Experience
Whitey Kurowski 27 3B .333 0 2
Walter Sessi 27 3B .000 0 0
Bobby Young 21 3B No Major League Experience
Creepy Crespi 28 SS .273 4 53
Jeff Cross 27 SS No Major League Experience
Marty Marion 28 SS .264 6 104
Dave Bartosch 29 OF No Major League Experience
Chuck Diering 23 OF No Major League Experience
Erv Dusak 25 OF .143 0 3
Bill Howerton 24 OF No Major League Experience
Terry Moore 33 OF .284 60 373
Enos Slaughter 29 OF .305 50 293
Coaker Triplett 34 OF .281 3 23
Harry Walker 29 OF .214 0 7

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Johnny Beazley 27 1- 0 1.00 4
Mort Cooper 33 38-28 3.56 354
Murry Dickson 29 0- 0 5.06 2
Johnny Grodzicki 29 2- 1 1.35 10
Harry Gumbert 36 79-60 3.86 432
Kurt Krieger 19 No Major League Experience
Max Lanier 30 21-18 3.12 170
Howie Pollet 24 5- 2 1.93 37
Howie Krist 30 13- 1 4.03 43
Ernie White 29 18- 8 2.56 132

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Jake Early 30 C .274 15 82
Al Evans 29 C .288 1 27
Jack Sanford 28 1B .205 0 10
Mickey Vernon 27 1B .282 10 123
Jimmy Bloodworth 28 2B .255 22 184
Jay Difani 22 2B No Major League Experience
Cal Ermer 22 2B No Major League Experience
Al Kozar 24 2B No Major League Experience
Sherry Robertson 27 3B .194 0 0
Eddie Yost 19 3B No Major League Experience
Jimmy Pofahl 28 SS .227 2 42
John Sullivan 25 SS No Major League Experience
Cecil Travis 32 SS .327 25 581
George Binks 29 OF No Major League Experience
George Case 30 OF .291 11 195
Gil Coan 23 OF No Major League Experience
Ray Goolsby 26 OF No Major League Experience
Buddy Lewis 29 OF .304 53 449
Roberto Ortiz 30 OF .329 1 17
John Simmons 21 OF No Major League Experience
Junior Wooten 22 OF No Major League Experience

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Alex Carrasquel 33 17-13 4.32 90
Ramon Garcia 22 No Major League Experience
Lloyd Hittle 22 No Major League Experience
Sid Hudson 31 30-30 4.02 204
Dutch Leonard 37 82-78 3.48 484
Walt Masterson 25 9-18 5.36 120
Early Wynn 26 3- 3 2.98 16
Bill Zuber 33 10- 9 5.56 98


I need to finish this before going any further

[SelzShoes]

*The Browns have announced thier intention to relocate. The city of relocation has not been decided as of press date.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Rick Ferrell 40 C .286 27 613
Frank Mancuso 27 C No Major League Experience
Les Moss 20 C No Major League Experience
Bob Swift 31 C .248 0 60
George Archie 31 1B .276 3 53
Hank Arft 24 1B No Major League Experience
George McQuinn 35 1B .299 66 353
Roy Sievers 19 1B No Major League Experience
Chuck Stevens 27 1B .154 0 2
Johnny Berardino 28 2B .262 26 232
Don Heffner 35 2B .247 6 234
Floyd Baker 29 3B No Major League Experience
Harlond Clift 33 3B .281 160 689
Bob Dillinger 27 3B No Major League Experience
Johnny Lucadello 27 3B .276 4 45
Alan Strange 39 3B .221 1 84
Andy Anderson 23 SS No Major League Experience
Vern Stephens 25 SS .500 0 0
George Bradley 32 OF No Major League Experience
Ray Coleman 23 OF No Major League Experience
George Elder 25 OF No Major League Experience
Joe Grace 32 OF .296 14 111
Wally Judnich 29 OF .293 38 172
Chet Laabs 33 OF .269 50 237
Paul Lehner 25 OF No Major League Experience
Glenn McQuillen 30 OF .292 0 16
Ken Wood 21 OF No Major League Experience

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Elden Auker 35 116-88 4.47 532
Jim Bilbrey 21 No Major League Experience
Frank Biscan 26 No Major League Experience
George Caster 38 48-80 4.97 421
Cliff Fannin 21 No Major League Experience
Denny Galehouse 34 49-55 4.55 405
Jack Kramer 28 16-26 5.79 100
Bob Muncrief 30 13-9 3.82 68
Johnny Niggeling 42 17-21 4.32 171
Blackie Schwamb 19 No Major League Experience

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
George Dickey 30 C .135 2 9
Tom Jordan 26 C No Major League Experience
Mike Tresh 32 C .265 1 137
Tom Turner 29 C .225 0 14
Jake Jones 25 1B .000 0 0
Joe Kuhel 39 1B .285 112 803
Don Kolloway 27 2B .266 3 27
Cass Michaels 20 2B No Major League Experience
Skeeter Webb 36 2B .244 3 63
Dario Lodigiani 29 3B .259 16 128
Leo Wells 28 3B No Major League Experience
Luke Appling 38 SS .316 24 751
Fred Hancock 26 SS No Major League Experience
Billy Bowers 24 OF No Major League Experience
Guy Curtright 33 OF No Major League Experience
Jim Delsing 20 OF No Major League Experience
Joe DiMaggio 31 OF .345 198 816
Bob Kennedy 25 OF .239 4 82
Dave Philley 25 OF .222 0 0
Moose Solters 40 OF .293 82 591
Taffy Wright 34 OF .327 21 314


Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Pete Appleton 41 55- 65 4.33 393
Bob Cain 21 No Major League Experience
Bill Dietrich 36 58- 73 5.06 413
Pete Gebrian 22 No Major League Experience
Jim Goodwin 19 No Major League Experience
Orval Grove 26 0- 0 6.92 6
Joe Haynes 28 11- 18 5.48 105
Howie Judson 20 No Major League Experience
Thornton Lee 39 86- 74 3.65 633
Ted Lyons 45 245-220 3.75 1013
Johnny Rigney 31 53- 53 3.66 501
Eddie Smith 32 45- 65 3.78 464


The Lancers were able to attract Joe DiMaggio to jump leagues. The Lancers were smart enough to tie up thier own players before anyone on their roster was poached. Other than Joe, the Lancers did not make any acquisitions.

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Yogi Berra 20 C No Major League Experience
Bill Dickey 38 C .313 194 1129
Bill Drescher 24 C No Major League Experience
Buddy Rosar 31 C .290 5 85
Charlie Silvera 21 C No Major League Experience
Ken Silvestri 29 C .209 5 19
Joe Collins 23 1B No Major League Experience
Hank Greenberg 35 1B .325 249 1015
Dick Kryhoski 21 1B No Major League Experience
Fenton Mole 20 1B No Major League Experience
Jerry Coleman 21 2B No Major League Experience
Joe Gordon 31 2B .275 107 398
Jerry Priddy 26 2B .213 1 26
Eddie Bockman 25 3B No Major League Experience
Billy Johnson 27 3B No Major League Experience
Red Rolfe 37 3B .293 61 472
Bobby Brown 21 SS No Major League Experience
Frankie Crosetti 35 SS .247 83 525
Phil Rizzuto 28 SS .307 3 46
Hank Bauer 23 OF No Major League Experience
Bob Cerv 19 OF No Major League Experience
Joe DiMaggio 31 OF .345 198 816
Tommy Henrich 33 OF .285 80 328
Charlie Keller 29 OF .304 65 298
Johnny Lindell 29 OF .000 0 0
George Selkirk 38 OF .293 108 566

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Tiny Bonham 32 18- 9 2.51 80
Norm Branch 31 5- 1 2.87 28
Spud Chandler 38 42- 20 3.77 187
Atley Donald 35 30- 12 3.52 192
Monk Dubiel 28 No Major League Experience
Bob Feller 27 107- 54 3.18 1233
Lefty Gomez 37 183- 97 3.31 1427
Wally Hood 20 No Major League Experience
Don Johnson 19 No Major League Experience
Cuddles Marshall 20 No Major League Experience
Johnny Murphy 37 73- 37 3.64 295
Joe Page 28 No Major League Experience
Red Ruffing 41 244-209 3.85 1853
Marius Russo 31 36- 21 3.01 247
Charley Stanceu 30 3- 3 5.63 21

Losing Dimaggio hurts, but Greenberg and Feller are typical Yankee additions. Still, no on to really play 3rd. The Yanks also refused to meet always hurtin' Spud Chandler's demand of $85,000, so he signed with the Cubs.

[SirFozzie]

Can't wait to see the minor league lineups, see where my guy ended up :)

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Toby Atwell 22 C No Major League Experience
Clyde McCullough 29 C .223 9 54
Rube Novotney 21 C No Major League Experience
Bob Scheffing 32 C .242 1 20
Rube Walker 19 C No Major League Experience
Heinz Becker 30 1B No Major League Experience
Eddie Waitkus 26 1B .179 0 0
Don Johnson 34 2B No Major League Experience
Danny Lynch 20 2B No Major League Experience
Lou Stringer 28 2B .246 5 53
Wayne Terwilliger 20 2B No Major League Experience
Cy Block 26 3B No Major League Experience
Stan Hack 36 3B .304 43 455
Rip Russell 31 3B .266 14 113
Bill Serena 21 3B No Major League Experience
Lennie Merullo 28 SS .353 0 1
Roy Smalley 19 SS No Major League Experience
Bobby Sturgeon 26 SS .242 0 27
Cliff Aberson 24 OF No Major League Experience
Bob Borkowski 20 OF No Major League Experience
Phil Cavarretta 29 OF .275 32 290
Dom Dallessandro 32 OF .264 7 132
Charlie Gilbert 26 OF .259 2 20
Hal Jeffcoat 21 OF No Major League Experience
Peanuts Lowrey 28 OF No Major League Experience
Bill Nicholson 31 OF .276 56 234
Lou Novikoff 30 OF .241 5 24
Marv Rickert 25 OF No Major League Experience



Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Russ Bauers 31 29- 29 3.53 278
Don Carlsen 19 No Major League Experience
Spud Chandler 38 42- 20 3.77 187
Vallie Eaves 34 4- 8 4.46 46
Paul Erickson 30 5- 7 3.70 85
Warren Hacker 21 No Major League Experience
Ed Hanyzewski 25 No Major League Experience
Tony Jacobs 20 No Major League Experience
Emil Kush 29 0- 0 2.25 2
Bill Lee 36 123-101 3.45 772
Russ Meers 27 0- 1 1.13 5
Russ Meyer 22 No Major League Experience
Vern Olsen 28 24- 17 3.00 147
Claude Passeau 36 85- 92 3.59 662
Bob Rush 20 No Major League Experience
Johnny Schmitz 25 2- 0 1.31 11


If healthy, Chander could be huge. One of the teams most keen of unsigned Johnny Mize, who refuses to listen to any offer under $100,000.

[SelzShoes]

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI
Rick Ferrell 40 C .286 27 613
Frank Mancuso 27 C No Major League Experience
Les Moss 20 C No Major League Experience
Bob Swift 31 C .248 0 60
George Archie 31 1B .276 3 53
Hank Arft 24 1B No Major League Experience
George McQuinn 35 1B .299 66 353
Roy Sievers 19 1B No Major League Experience
Chuck Stevens 27 1B .154 0 2
Johnny Berardino 28 2B .262 26 232
Don Heffner 35 2B .247 6 234
Artie Wilson 25 2B No Major League Experience
Floyd Baker 29 3B No Major League Experience
Harlond Clift 33 3B .281 160 689
Ray Dandridge 32 3B No Major League Experience
Bob Dillinger 27 3B No Major League Experience
Johnny Lucadello 27 3B .276 4 45
Alan Strange 39 3B .221 1 84
Andy Anderson 23 SS No Major League Experience
Jackie Robinson 27 SS No Major League Experience
Vern Stephens 25 SS .500 0 0
George Bradley 32 OF No Major League Experience
Willard Brown 30 OF No Major League Experience
Ray Coleman 23 OF No Major League Experience
George Elder 25 OF No Major League Experience
Joe Grace 32 OF .296 14 111
Monte Irvin 27 OF No Major league Experience
Wally Judnich 29 OF .293 38 172
Chet Laabs 33 OF .269 50 237
Paul Lehner 25 OF No Major League Experience
Glenn McQuillen 30 OF .292 0 16
Ken Wood 21 OF No Major League Experience

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO
Elden Auker 35 116-88 4.47 532
Jim Bilbrey 21 No Major League Experience
Frank Biscan 26 No Major League Experience
George Caster 38 48-80 4.97 421
Leon Day 29 No Major League Experience
Cliff Fannin 21 No Major League Experience
Denny Galehouse 34 49-55 4.55 405
Jack Kramer 28 16-26 5.79 100
Bob Muncrief 30 13-9 3.82 68
Johnny Niggeling 42 17-21 4.32 171
Satchel Paige 39 No Major League Experience
Blackie Schwamb 19 No Major League Experience


Clyde Sukeforth's scouting of negro players turns into a managing gig. The Blues sign 7 players and release 4, including long time 3B Harlond Clift.

[SelzShoes]

Can't wait to see the minor league lineups, see where my guy ended up :)
I'm entering the created players today. I've just reached the point in the story where I really need to know where everyone is, so for the most part I'm focusing on the roster thread for the next week or so.

[SelzShoes]

Players Age Pos
Josh Gibson 34 C
Spoony Palm 37 C
Bob Boyd 20 1B
Buck Leonard 38 1B
Jim West 34 1B
Pee Wee Butts 27 IF
Martin Dihigo 40 IF
Howard Easterling 35 IF
Pat Patterson 35 IF
Jerry Benjamin 37 OF
Jim Pendleton 22 OF
Harry Simpson 20 OF
Tetelo Vargas 40 OF

Pitchers Age
Dan Bankhead 25
Ray Brown 38
Lino Donoso 23
Connie Johnson 23
Izzy Leon 35
Verdell Mathis 32
Hilton Smith 39

[SelzShoes]

Players Age Pos
Joe Greene 35 C
Quincy Trouppe 33 C
Josephus Bricker 20 1B
Buck O'Neill 35 1B
Gene Baker 20 IF
Larry Doby 22 IF
Chuck Harmon 21 IF
John Kennedy 19 IF
Hector Rodriguez 25 IF
Gene Benson 33 OF
Francisc Coimbre 37 OF
Jimmy Crutchfield 36 OF
Ted Strong 29 OF

Pitchers Age
Terris McDuffie 36
Dave Barnhill 32
Luis Tiant Sr 40
Winston Lafayette 26
Bill Byrd 39
Diomedes Olivo 27
Jay Heard 26

[SelzShoes]

Players Age Pos
Sammy Hairston 26 C
Tom Alston 20 1B
George Crowe 25 1B
Lazaro Salazar 34 1B
Lick Carlisle 36 IF
Sammy Hughes 36 IF
Lester Lockett 34 IF
Hank Thompson 20 IF
Willie Wells 37 IF
Johnny Davis 28 OF
Sam Jethroe 28 OF
Dave Pope 24 OF
Joe Taylor 20 OF



Pitchers Age
Joe Black 22
Eugene Bremmer 31
Sig Cornelius 38
Dave Hoskins 20
Max Manning 28
Don Newcombe 19
Bob Trice 19

[SelzShoes]

Players Age Pos
Roy Campanella 24 C
Ray Noble 27 C
Lyman Bostock Sr 28 1B
Luke Easter 30 1B
Showboat Thomas 41 1B
Piper Davis 29 IF
Minnie Minoso 23 IF
Bonnie Serrell 24 IF
Jesse Williams 33 IF
Parnell Woods 34 IF
Jumbro Kimbro 34 OF
Lennie Pearson 28 OF
Bob Thurman 28 OF
Wild Bill Wright 32 OF



Pitchers Age
Frank Barnes 19
Achilles Brown 19
Bill Greason 21
Sam Jones 20
Connie Marrero 34
Pat Scantlebury 28

[SelzShoes]

Keep in mind when looking over the spring training rosters that there will be 24 roster slots (25 if you have a playing manager--don't ask me why I made that rule; it seemed like a good idea). Generally, each team will have 10 pitchers--concern over the lack of consistent action for the war years has teams erring on the side of caution where arms are concerned. I'm sure roster size will be pared back next season. . .

These are the Phillies who are in camp who have signed contracts.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Mickey Livingston 31 C .213 0 19 6,100
George Pfister 27 C .000 0 0 5,900
Bennie Warren 34 C .229 22 76 7.900
Nick Etten 32 1B .294 17 119 8,700
Harry Marnie 27 2B .229 0 15 5,000
Danny Murtaugh 28 2B .219 0 11 5,000
Pinky May 35 3B .282 3 149 11,200
Jimmy Outlaw 33 3B .268 0 16 6,800
Ralph Hodgin 30 OF .208 0 4 5,400
Chuck Klein 41 OF .321 300 1198 24,900
Danny Litwhiler 29 OF .313 23 83 10,080
Pepper Martin 42 OF .298 57 497 7,200

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Boom-Boom Beck 41 29- 61 4.44 285 5,400
Cy Blanton 37 68- 67 3.51 596 14,200
Bill Harman 27 0- 0 4.85 3 5,900
Lefty Hoerst 28 4- 10 5.20 36 5,200
Tommy Hughes 26 9- 14 4.45 59 5,000
Si Johnson 39 73-130 4.28 646 5,500
Hugh Mulcahy 32 42- 82 4.51 298 5,500
Ike Pearson 29 9- 41 4.92 110 5,000

What makes you angriest Phillie Phans? That your highest paid player is thinking retirement? That Jimmy Outlaw and Ralph Hodgin haven't played since 1939? That Pepper Martin got a contract at all? I would normally think a veteran staff would be best for this scenario, but look how cheap the staff is (the min. salary is 5,000!). Still, some guys got contracts as the market tightened. Competition resulted in Pepper Martin getting 7,200, when he should just get the min, if that.

These are the players without Major League contracts in camp. There are, basically 2/3 positions (depending how many catchers they break north with) and 2 pitching slots open.


Player POS AGE
Mike Ulisney C 28
Bill Glynn 1B 20
Mike Schemer 1B 28
Roy Zimmerman 1B 29
Mike Goliat 2B 20
Willie Jones 3B 20
Jack Albright SS 24
Bill Burich SS 27
Ed Busch SS 28
Granny Hamner SS 18
Del Ennis OF 20
Ray Hoffman OF 28
Ron Northey OF 25



Pitcher AGE
Charlie Cozart 26
Jake Eisenhart 23
Jim Hearn 24
Johnny Kucab 26
Rogelio Martinez 27
Robin Roberts 19
Tommy Warren 28


And here are the players at minor league camp.


Stan Lopata 20 C
Earl Turner 22 C
Neal Watlington 23 C
Garvin Hamner 22 2B
Don Hasenmayer 18 3B
Johnny Blatnik 25 OF
Mel Clark 19 OF
Stan Hollmig 20 OF
Jackie Mayo 20 OF



Fred Baczewski 19 P
Harry Fisher 20 P
Lou Grasmick 21 P
Bob Hall 22 P
Dave Jolly 21 P
Dick Koecher 20 P
Bob Miller 19 P
Gordie Mueller 23 P
Al Porto 19 P
Lou Possehl 19 P
Bob Schultz 22 P
Bob Spicer 20 P

[SelzShoes]

Here is the difference between a club like the Red Sox and a club like the Phillies. Notice how few people are making just the min or just over the min. I think the play stopage would lead to owners artificially keeping salaries low for this first season back. Especially the lower tier players--with all the 1942 thru 1945 rookies set to flood the market (and I assume for the purpose of the replay all of them will play)--would be quick to sign since there would be so much competition for roster spots, even with the extra clubs, which weren't formed when most players would have signed. Anyway, every player with a major league contract for the Phillies will make the team; in Boston, a few of these guys will spend the year in the minors. Having money makes life easier.


Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Johnny Peacock 36 C .287 1 121 5,900
Frankie Pytlak 37 C .284 7 271 14,900
Paul Campbell 28 1B .000 0 0 6,000
Jimmie Foxx 38 1B .332 519 1849 76,000
Tony Lupien 28 1B .474 0 4 5,300
Tom Carey 39 2B .275 2 166 6,700
Bobby Doerr 27 2B .290 57 365 16,000
Bob Repass 28 2B .333 0 1 5,000
Joe Cronin 39 3B .303 156 1342 58,400
Jim Tabor 29 3B .286 52 285 10,700
Gil English 36 SS .256 7 83 5,000
Dom DiMaggio 29 OF .290 16 104 8,400
Lou Finney 35 OF .288 26 376 5,000
Pete Fox 37 OF .302 59 524 7,500
Barney Olsen 26 OF .288 1 4 6,100
Ted Williams 27 OF .356 91 378 175,000


Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Joe Dobson 29 17-15 4.99 153 5,700
Mickey Harris 29 12-16 3.71 147 9,100
Tex Hughson 30 5- 3 4.13 22 5,900
Earl Johnson 26 10- 7 4.34 72 7,200
Oscar Judd 38 0- 0 8.76 5 6,100
Hod Lisenbee 47 36-55 4.75 239 5,000
Dick Newsome 36 19-10 4.13 58 5,000
Johnny Podgajny 25 10-15 4.33 65 5,400
Mike Ryba 42 23-12 4.42 142 9,100
Allyn Stout 41 19-20 4.50 182 5,000
Charlie Wagner 33 17-12 4.13 91 9,700
Ed Weiland 31 0- 0 8.79 3 5,000
John Whitehead 36 49-54 4.59 254 9,700

Here are the players invited to major league camp, but do not have major league contracts.

Leslie Aulds 25 C
Matt Batts 24 C
Walt Dropo 23 1B
Preston Gomez 22 2B
Merl Combs 26 3B
Johnny Tobin 25 3B
Johnny Pesky 26 SS
Billy Goodman 20 OF
Catfish Metkovich 25 OF
Mel Deutsch 30 P
Harry Perkowski 23 P

Here are the players at minor league camp.

Stew Hofferth 33 C
Joe Just 30 C
Ernie Andres 28 3B
Charlie Brewster 29 SS
Leon Culberson 26 OF
Andy Gilbert 31 OF
Bill Ramsey 25 OF
George Wilson 20 OF
Tom Wright 22 OF
Tal Abernathy 24 P
Dewey Adkins 27 P
Glenn Elliott 26 P
Frank Fanovich 24 P
Bob Ferguson 26 P
Don Fisher 30 P
Bob Habenicht 20 P
Lynn Lovenguth 23 P
Sam Lowry 26 P
Windy McCall 20 P
Mike Palm 21 P
Frank Seward 24 P
Al Widmar 21 P

[SelzShoes]

One of the storylines I thought about doing, but didn't, was the signing of 4 key 'free agents'. See, the way I distributed the players, Arky Vaughan, Johnny Mize, Schoolboy Rowe and Hooks Wyse were not assigned a team for 1946. Those 4 were clearly the best available, and I thought the pursuit of them would be a good read. Well, nothing I wrote made it sound like a good story--frankly, it was some really stinky writing. So, surprise: Vaughan is a Cubs, Wyse a Yank, Rowe an Indian and Mize a Giant.

Anyhoo, another club with some money to spend, but it doesn't look like it was spent well. Lefties, like Vaughan, don't benefit from Wrigley like a righty would. Chadler is an even money shot to end up hurt. Couple guys from the all-time Cub team but I just don't see the support squad here.


Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Clyde McCullough 29 C .223 9 54 5,800
Bob Scheffing 32 C .242 1 20 5,300
Eddie Waitkus 26 1B .179 0 0 5,500
Lou Stringer 28 2B .246 5 53 8,600
Stan Hack 36 3B .304 43 455 30,300
Rip Russell 31 3B .266 14 113 5,000
Lennie Merullo 28 SS .353 0 1 6,300
Bobby Sturgeon 26 SS .242 0 27 5,000
Arky Vaughan 34 SS .324 84 764 108,200
Phil Cavarretta 29 OF .275 32 290 10,600
Dom Dallessandro 32 OF .264 7 132 6,500
Charlie Gilbert 26 OF .259 2 20 6,000
Bill Nicholson 31 OF .276 56 234 13,200
Lou Novikoff 30 OF .241 5 24 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Russ Bauers 31 29- 29 3.53 278 14,100
Spud Chandler 38 42- 20 3.77 187 85,000
Ben Chapman 37 Played 12 years as an OF 6,600
Vallie Eaves 34 4- 8 4.46 46 8,000
Paul Erickson 30 5- 7 3.70 85 5,700
Emil Kush 29 0- 0 2.25 2 6,000
Bill Lee 36 123-101 3.45 772 22,000
Russ Meers 27 0- 1 1.13 5 6,200
Vern Olsen 28 24- 17 3.00 147 12,400
Claude Passeau 36 85- 92 3.59 662 21,000
Ray Prim 39 3- 7 5.54 36 6,600
Johnny Schmitz 25 2- 0 1.31 11 6,800

At the major league camp, but no major league contract

Toby Atwell C 22
Cliff Dapper C 26
Heinz Becker 1B 30
Don Johnson 2B 34
Danny Lynch 2B 20
Bill Serena 3B 21
Roy Smalley SS 19
Cliff Aberson OF 24
Hal Jeffcoat OF 21
Peanuts Lowrey OF 28
Stan Wentzel OF 29
Russ Meyer P 22
Bob Rush P 20
George Zuverink P 21


At the minor league camp

Rube Novotney C 21
Rube Walker C 19
Wayne Terwilliger 2B 20
Cy Block 3B 26
Bubba Floyd SS 28
Bob Borkowski OF 20
Nick Goulish OF 28
Jack Graham OF 29
Marv Rickert OF 25
Bob Alexander P 23
Don Carlsen P 19
Claude Crocker P 21
Warren Hacker P 21
Ed Hanyzewski P 25
Don Hendrickson P 32
Harley Hisner P 19
Tony Jacobs P 20
Paul LaPalme P 22
John Mackinson P 22
Ray Moore P 19
Mario Picone P 19
Bill Zinser P 28

[SelzShoes]

How could the Indians not give Bob Feller $100,000 (which they would allegedly do in real life in 1948) but give Schoolboy Rowe $52,600? Lots of young talent and good pitching on this squad. I think they have to be taken serious as a contender for the NAL title. Club is on the market.


Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Jim Hegan 25 C .319 1 5 6,200
George Susce 38 C .224 2 18 8,000
Les Fleming 30 1B .083 0 3 6,400
Buddy Hassett 34 1B .293 7 295 5,000
Bill Nagel 30 1B .237 12 100 5,000
Jack Conway 26 2B .500 0 1 6,100
Ray Mack 29 2B .247 22 121 6,700
Burgess Whitehead 35 2B .268 17 240 14,800
Ken Keltner 29 3B .281 77 372 14,100
Lou Boudreau 28 SS .274 19 176 32,400
Rusty Peters 31 SS .240 6 68 6,400
Jim Carlin 28 OF .143 1 2 5,300
Hank Edwards 27 OF .221 1 6 5,300
Fabian Gaffke 32 OF .244 7 39 5,000
Jeff Heath 31 OF .305 74 370 16,100
Oris Hockett 36 OF .315 1 10 6,700
Roy Weatherly 31 OF .296 31 212 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Jim Bagby 29 39- 47 4.65 218 8,500
Chubby Dean 29 17- 30 5.68 120 5,000
Cal Dorsett 32 0- 1 10.22 5 6,400
Red Embree 28 0- 1 6.75 4 5,700
Steve Gromek 26 1- 1 4.24 19 5,800
Mel Harder 36 176-140 3.87 928 42,100
Joe Heving 45 61- 41 4.24 335 16,100
Joe Krakauskas 31 24- 31 4.45 325 10,200
Bob Lemon 25 Played 1 season as a 3B 6,000
Al Milnar 32 48- 44 4.00 295 12,100
Whitey Moore 33 30- 28 3.74 227 6,000
Schoolboy Rowe 36 104- 62 4.04 655 52,600
Al Smith 38 60- 54 3.98 371 13,700

Players at major league camp without contract

Sherm Lollar 21 C
Hank Ruszkowski 20 C
Bobby Avila 21 2B
Gene Markland 26 2B
Bert Hodge 28 3B
Ray Boone 22 SS
Dale Mitchell 24 OF
Gene Woodling 23 OF
Otho Nicholas 37 P
Bert Shepard 25 P

Players at the minor league camp

Dick Aylward C 20
Tony DePhillips C 33
Roy Easterwood C 31
Buck Etchison 1B 31
Eddie Robinson 1B 25
Ted Sepkowski 3B 22
Joe Hoover SS 30
Milt Nielsen OF 21
Pat Seerey OF 23
Woody Wheaton OF 31
Don Black P 29
Scott Cary P 22
Charlie Cuellar P 28
Charlie Fuchs P 33
Ned Garver P 20
Len Gilmore P 28
Paul Hinrichs P 20
Bob Kuzava P 22
Bill Lefebvre P 30
Dick Manville P 19
Pat McGlothin P 25
Art Schallock P 21

[SelzShoes]

It always seemed to me the Tigers should have won more titles. This Tiger squad has a very nice mix of veterans and up and coming kids. Losing Hank Greenberg does hurt; but it could have hurt worse. Pressing Greenberg to play left, which he didn't want to do, the Tigers were shopping Rudy York to open up firstbase. Leland MacPhail wanted to hold off announcing Greenberg's signing until York had been traded, to really twist the knife in. Hank, who does want to get into a front office/ownership position after his playing days, didn't want to burn all his bridges. Could be a competive team if some kids come through.


Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Greek George 33 C .180 0 13 8,200
Al Montgomery 25 C .192 0 4 5,200
Birdie Tebbetts 33 C .272 14 191 11,600
Rudy York 32 1B .295 148 543 16,600
Charlie Gehringer 42 2B .321 183 1420 63,300
Dutch Meyer 30 2B .209 1 20 7,100
Jim Bucher 35 3B .267 13 151 6,800
Pinky Higgins 36 3B .298 110 800 11,900
Moe Franklin 32 SS .300 0 0 5,000
Eric McNair 36 SS .277 81 625 5,000
Hoot Evers 25 OF .000 0 0 5,800
Paul Busby 27 OF .313 0 2 5,000
Eddie Collins 29 OF .242 0 12 5,000
Ned Harris 29 OF .213 1 4 5,000
Barney McCosky 28 OF .325 11 170 8,100
Pat Mullin 28 OF .339 5 23 6,900
Bob Patrick 28 OF .286 0 0 5,000
Rip Radcliff 40 OF .315 41 503 5,000
Dick Wakefield 24 OF .143 0 0 5,900


Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Nate Andrews 32 1- 3 6.18 16 8,200
Al Benton 35 42- 40 4.44 313 12,300
Tommy Bridges 39 171-123 3.71 1430 41,700
Clint Brown 42 88- 92 4.25 406 25,400
Johnny Gorsica 31 16- 18 4.40 127 9,000
Ira Hutchinson 35 23- 23 3.56 153 11,300
Hal Manders 28 1- 0 2.35 7 6,100
Hal Newhouser 24 18- 21 4.83 199 7,300
Woody Rich 30 5- 3 4.87 36 6,300
Dizzy Trout 30 21- 26 3.87 224 12,100
Virgil Trucks 28 0- 0 9.00 3 6,000
Hal White 27 0- 0 6.00 2 6,000

These are the players at major league camp without a contract.

Joe Ginsberg C 19
Johnny Bero SS 23
Neil Berry SS 24
Billy Hitchcock SS 29
Johnny Lipon SS 23
Bob Patrick OF 28
Vic Wertz OF 21
John Perkovich P 22
Billy Pierce P 18
Ernie Rudolph P 37

These are the players in minor league camp.

Chico Hernandez C 30
Hank Riebe C 24
Joe Stephenson C 24
Don Hanski 1B 30
Herman Reich 1B 28
Sal Madrid SS 25
Red Roberts SS 27
Johnny Groth OF 19
Jim Tyack OF 35
Rugger Ardizoia P 26
Ralph Brickner P 20
Tommy Byrne P 26
Frank Dasso P 28
Johnny Gray P 19
Ted Gray P 21
Wally Holborow P 32
Art Houtteman P 18
Johnny Johnson P 31
Vic Lombardi P 23
Phil McCullough P 28
Jake Thies P 20

[SelzShoes]

When looking at the Lancer's roster, it is easy to assume after sinking their money into Joe DiMaggio, the club just settled back and did nothing else to improve the team. The Lancers made a run at Arky Vaughan, Johnny Mize and Schoolboy Rowe; however NAL President Ford Frick essientially punished the Lancers for trying to improve their squad. With NAL clubs bidding against each other, Frick decided each club should have a chance to sign a star, and 'awarded' primary negotiating rights to one team. Since the Lancers had signed DiMaggio; Frick put the Lancers at the back of the line for negotiating rights. Overall, none of the clubs liked the idea of the President determining who could sign who, but it was too late for LA. The Fitzsimmons contract hopefully won't make it to the season, and Lyons includes his salary as manager.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
George Dickey 30 C .135 2 9 7,000
Hank Helf 32 C .071 1 1 6,800
Mike Tresh 32 C .265 1 137 8,400
Tom Turner 29 C .225 0 14 5,000
Jake Jones 25 1B .000 0 0 5,600
Joe Kuhel 39 1B .285 112 803 6,700
Ben Geraghty 33 2B .194 0 9 5,000
Don Gutteridge 33 2B .268 29 230 5,900
Don Kolloway 27 2B .266 3 27 5,000
Skeeter Webb 36 2B .244 3 63 5,200
Dario Lodigiani 29 3B .259 16 128 7,600
Luke Appling 38 SS .316 24 751 40,500
Joe DiMaggio 31 OF .345 198 816 200,000
Tom Hafey 32 OF .242 6 26 5,000
Bob Kennedy 25 OF .239 4 82 5,000
Dave Philley 25 OF .222 0 0 5,900
Moose Solters 40 OF .293 82 591 8,600
Taffy Wright 34 OF .327 21 314 10,200

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Pete Appleton 41 55- 65 4.33 393 15,300
Bill Dietrich 36 58- 73 5.06 413 8,000
Freddie Fitzsimmons 44 214-142 3.47 858 43,600
Orval Grove 26 0- 0 6.92 6 7,000
Loy Hanning 28 0- 1 3.60 8 5,000
Joe Haynes 28 11- 18 5.48 105 5,000
Thornton Lee 39 86- 74 3.65 633 31,000
Ted Lyons 45 245-220 3.75 1013 56,200
Pat McLaughlin 35 0- 2 6.82 8 5,600
Johnny Rigney 31 53- 53 3.66 501 18,700
Eddie Smith 32 45- 65 3.78 464 16,600
Ray Starr 39 4- 5 3.40 34 7,500

Players at major league camp, not under contract

Al Campanis 2B 29
Cass Michaels 2B 20
Leo Wells 3B 28
Fred Hancock SS 26
Augie Bergamo OF 29
Guy Curtright OF 33
Jim Delsing OF 20
Van Fletcher P 21
Barney Mussill P 26
Al Verdel P 24

Players at minor league camp

Gene Crumling C 23
Mickey Grasso C 25
Tom Jordan C 26
Steve Lembo C 19
Vince Shupe 1B 24
Jackie Price SS 33
Tony York SS 33
Billy Bowers OF 24
Bud Sketchley OF 27
George Staller OF 30
John Andre P 23
Bob Cain P 21
Slim Emmerich P 26
Dave Ferriss P 24
Pete Gebrian P 22
Jim Goodwin P 19
Jim Hughes P 23
Howie Judson P 20
Jim Konstanty P 29
Andy Lapihuska P 23
Ribs Raney P 23
Mike Schultz P 25

[SelzShoes]

Other than, oh, changing cities, the Braves do very little to change thier squad. Hiring Billy Southworth from the Cardinals was a bold move, but nothing will happen for the Braves if the youth doesn't get a chance to shine. The hope is the baseball fans of Milwaukee will come out in such huge numbers, that Perini will spend money starting next year. The city is excited, and Perini is hoping to finish near the top in attendance.


Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Charlie Marshall 26 C .000 0 0 5,000
Phil Masi 30 C .222 5 46 6,200
Buddy Gremp 26 1B .238 0 12 5,000
Eddie Mayo 35 2B .214 3 30 6,200
Skippy Roberge 28 3B .216 0 15 5,500
Sibby Sisti 25 3B .250 8 90 5,000
Eddie Miller 29 SS .254 24 183 15,100
Glen Stewart 33 SS .138 0 0 5,000
Whitey Wietelmann 27 SS .175 0 6 7,200
Johnny Cooney 45 OF .292 2 208 13,300
Frank Demaree 35 OF .304 69 552 12,200
Debs Garms 37 OF .299 17 283 10,400
Carden Gillenwater 27 OF .160 0 5 5,500
Chet Ross 29 OF .271 17 93 7,500
Bama Rowell 30 OF .280 10 124 7,400
Max West 29 OF .265 48 285 9,700

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Bobby Coombs 38 0- 1 7.47 8 5,000
Tom Earley 29 10-12 3.10 72 9,300
Dick Errickson 34 33-41 3.74 152 5,000
Johnny Hutchings 29 3- 7 3.92 59 6,600
Al Javery 27 12-15 4.72 96 5,000
Frank Lamanna 26 6- 4 5.23 26 5,000
Bill Posedel 39 39-43 4.45 218 5,000
Manny Salvo 32 21-35 3.90 196 5,000
Junior Thompson 28 35-20 3.42 236 10,400
Jim Tobin 33 48-39 3.54 240 13,100
Ace Williams 29 0- 0 16.00 5 6,000

Players in major league camp without a contract

Ralph Houk C 26
Hack Miller C 33
Earl Torgeson 1B 22
Ellis Clary 2B 29
Frank Drews 2B 29
Nanny Fernandez 3B 27
Alvin Dark SS 24
Clint Conatser OF 24
Tommy Holmes OF 29
Vern Bickford P 25
Clem Labine P 19
Fred Sanford P 26
Warren Spahn P 24

Players in minor league camp

Bob Brady C 23
Paul Burris C 22
Dewey Williams C 30
William Metzig 2B 27
Pete Elko 3B 27
Bob Addis OF 20
Bill Bruton OF 20
Larry Drake OF 24
Joe Smaza OF 22
Joe Szekely OF 21
Hub Andrews P 23
Jack Banta P 20
Mel Bosser P 32
George Estock P 21
Marion Fricano P 22
Tom Hurd P 21
Bill Kennedy P 27
Morrie Martin P 23
Wayne McLeland P 21
Red Munger P 27
Ray Shore P 24
Marlin Stuart P 27

[SelzShoes]

Like the Lancers, if the Giants had been allowed to snatch another big time player, they would be better. High payroll and advanced age, but things are always more expensive in Manhattan. All of the Yankee off-season news has pushed the Giants to 'second team' status, just what Stoneham was trying to avoid by agreeing to the NAL in the first place.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Harry Danning 34 C .286 56 363 16,200
Rollie Hemsley 38 C .267 27 471 16,400
Johnny Mize 33 1B .336 158 653 88,500
Babe Young 30 1B .277 45 219 9,100
Frank Croucher 31 2B .249 7 81 5,000
Oscar Grimes 30 2B .250 8 82 6,600
Mickey Witek 30 2B .275 4 47 8,400
Dick Bartell 38 3B .286 69 658 44,400
Billy Jurges 37 SS .263 32 531 28,500
Morrie Arnovich 35 OF .287 22 261 13,200
Johnny Dickshot 36 OF .249 3 43 6,200
Frank Doljack 38 OF .273 9 85 5,100
Sid Gordon 28 OF .258 0 4 5,900
Buster Maynard 33 OF .276 1 2 6,000
Mel Ott 37 OF .311 415 1555 74,000
Johnny Rucker 29 OF .290 5 65 5,200

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Ace Adams 34 4- 1 4.82 18 5,200
Bob Carpenter 28 13- 6 3.61 67 6,700
Bill Crouch 35 7- 5 3.48 51 5,700
Al Epperly 27 2- 0 3.67 10 5,000
Harry Feldman 26 1- 1 3.98 9 5,900
Rube Fischer 29 1- 0 2.45 9 5,100
George Hennessey 38 0- 1 10.29 4 5,000
Carl Hubbell 42 238-142 2.89 1585 57,800
Dave Koslo 26 1- 2 1.90 12 6,500
Cliff Melton 34 64- 60 3.53 529 12,100
Hal Schumacher 35 142-104 3.36 809 31,500
Johnnie Wittig 31 5- 10 5.60 65 5,000

Players at the major league camp without a contract

Bobby Hofman C 20
Sal Yvars C 22
Pat Capri 2B 27
George Hausmann 2B 30
Len Schulte 2B 29
Jack Lohrke 3B 22
Buddy Kerr SS 23
Lloyd Gearhart OF 22
Willard Marshall OF 25
Stan Klopp P 35
Mack Stewart P 31
Hoyt Wilhelm P 23

Here are the players at minor league camp

Otto Denning C 33
Jim Gladd C 23
Bob Scherbarth C 20
Joe Lafata 1B 24
Dick Lajeskie 2B 20
Hal Bamberger OF 21
Vic Bradford OF 31
Whitey Lockman OF 19
Bill Rodgers OF 23
Cookie Cuccurullo P 28
John Fick P 24
Andy Hansen P 21
Barney Martin P 23
Dale Matthewson P 22
Earl Mossor P 20
Mel Parnell P 23
Lee Pfund P 27
Floyd Speer P 33
Johnny Van Cuyk P 24
Red Webb P 21
Chink Zachary P 28

[SelzShoes]

Some very good kids on the horizon and a decent collection of veterans. I don't think it is a club that can contend, but they should mke life difficult for the teams that can contend.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Bill Baker 35 C .219 0 13 7,000
Spud Davis 41 C .309 75 627 24,800
Al Lopez 37 C .265 47 509 20,800
Vinnie Smith 30 C .303 0 5 5,800
Elbie Fletcher 30 1B .272 47 350 13,400
Frankie Gustine 26 2B .270 2 104 7,300
Ed Leip 35 2B .274 0 5 5,000
Lee Handley 32 3B .274 13 190 7,900
Alf Anderson 32 SS .215 1 10 5,000
Billy Cox 26 SS .270 0 2 6,300
Vince DiMaggio 33 OF .256 67 286 14,000
Bob Elliott 29 OF .288 11 159 9,000
Culley Rikard 31 OF .200 0 0 5,900
Bud Stewart 29 OF .267 0 10 5,100
Maurice Van Robays 31 OF .280 17 210 6,500
Ab Wright 40 OF .237 2 18 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Ed Albosta 27 0- 2 6.23 5 5,500
Bill Brandt 31 0- 1 3.86 0 5,000
Guy Bush 44 176-136 3.85 849 23,800
Max Butcher 35 57- 71 4.28 311 5,000
Bill Clemensen 26 1- 1 5.58 17 6,900
Dutch Dietz 34 7- 3 2.80 30 5,000
Johnny Gee 30 1- 4 4.67 18 6,400
Hank Gornicki 35 1- 0 3.38 8 6,000
Ken Heintzelman 30 21- 20 4.00 175 9,200
Johnny Lanning 35 44- 46 3.61 237 11,000
Lou Polli 44 0- 0 5.40 5 5,000
Rip Sewell 38 40- 32 3.73 224 12,500
Nick Strincevich 31 5- 10 5.58 67 5,000
Lefty Wilkie 31 2- 4 4.56 16 5,600

Players invited to major league camp, without a contract

Monty Basgall 2B 24
Ken Richardson 2B 30
Pete Castiglione 3B 25
Ted Cieslak 3B 29
Eddie Pellagrini 3B 28
Ted Beard OF 25
Ralph Kiner OF 23
Jim Russell OF 27
Johnny Wyrostek OF 26
Murray Wall P 19

Players invited to minor league camp

Ed Fitz Gerald C 21
Roy Jarvis C 19
Bill Salkeld C 29
Fred Vaughn 2B 27
Vic Barnhart SS 23
Johnny Barrett OF 30
Frank Colman OF 28
Al Gionfriddo OF 24
Ben Guintini OF 26
Luis Aloma P 22
Jay Avrea P 25
Charlie Bishop P 22
Jack Cassini P 26
Hilly Flitcraft P 22
Lee Howard P 22
Chet Kehn P 24
Carl Lindquist P 26
Duke Markell P 22
Bob Milliken P 19
Jack Niemes P 26
Bryan Stephens P 25

[SelzShoes]

The Cardinals are still benefiting from the work of Branch Rickey. When things were at thier most uncertain, he identified who the core of the club was, released the big money players, and made sure a good group of kids was on the horizon. It is alot easier to let go of Johnny Mize when you believe Stan Musial is ready.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Walker Cooper 31 C .251 1 22 6,900
Gus Mancuso 40 C .276 50 473 24,800
Luke Sewell 45 C .259 20 696 10,700
Johnny Hopp 29 1B .296 5 66 8,100
Stan Musial 25 1B .426 1 7 6,400
Whitey Kurowski 27 3B .333 0 2 6,000
Creepy Crespi 28 SS .273 4 53 5,000
Marty Marion 28 SS .264 6 104 5,700
Estel Crabtree 42 OF .282 11 103 7,200
Doc Cramer 40 OF .302 25 599 5,000
Erv Dusak 25 OF .143 0 3 6,000
Buck Frierson 28 OF .273 0 2 5,000
Terry Moore 33 OF .284 60 373 17,600
Walter Sessi 27 OF .000 0 0 5,600
Enos Slaughter 29 OF .305 50 293 13,700
Coaker Triplett 34 OF .281 3 23 6,300
Harry Walker 29 OF .214 0 7 6,700

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Johnny Beazley 27 1- 0 1.00 4 6,300
Mort Cooper 33 38-28 3.56 354 10,900
Murry Dickson 29 0- 0 5.06 2 7,000
Johnny Grodzicki 29 2- 1 1.35 10 6,800
Harry Gumbert 36 79-60 3.86 432 15,700
Red Kress 39 0- 0 12.71 5 5,100
Howie Krist 30 13- 1 4.03 43 7,400
Max Lanier 30 21-18 3.12 170 12,600
Howie Pollet 24 5- 2 1.93 37 7,500
Tex Shirley 27 0- 1 2.45 1 6,200
Ernie White 29 18- 8 2.56 132 10,400

Players at major league camp without contracts

Joe Garagiola C 20
Solly Hemus 2B 22
Nippy Jones 2B 20
Lou Klein 2B 27
Red Schoendienst 2B 23
Tommy Glaviano 3B 22
Eddie Kazak 3B 25
Ty LaForest 3B 28
Pete Center P 33
Tom Gorman P 21
Lou Kretlow P 24
Bill Moisan P 20

Players invited to minor league camp

Johnny Bucha C 21
Del Rice C 23
Rocky Nelson 1B 21
Ray Sanders 1B 29
Bobby Young 3B 21
Jeff Cross SS 27
Dave Bartosch OF 29
Chuck Diering OF 23
Bill Howerton OF 24
George Bamberger P 20
Jack Bruner P 21
Mitch Chetkovich P 28
Mike Clark P 24
Tom Clyde P 22
Cal Cooper P 23
Howie Fox P 25
Vince Gonzales P 20
Charlie Osgood P 19
Harry Taylor P 26
Kurt Krieger P 19
Bill McCahan P 24

[SelzShoes]

The Seals would have been a middle of the pack PCL club; they are in for a very long season. However, I do think there is a pretty decent pitching staff, it is a question of how many runs can they scratch out. And, unlike the CL expansion clubs, they are clearly worse than all and probably just equal to the Phillies. If Lefty O'Doul finds his staff quickly enough, he could sneak out a few extra wins.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Joe Schultz 27 C .231 0 6 7,500
Hal Spindel 32 C .269 0 11 5,400
Johnny McCarthy 36 1B .272 21 163 7,600
Jimmy Wasdell 31 1B .270 11 126 5,000
John Davis 30 3B .214 0 5 5,000
Don Lang 31 3B .260 1 11 6,100
George Myatt 31 3B .278 3 13 7,700
Dick Culler 31 SS .237 0 1 5,300
Boyd Perry 32 SS .181 0 11 5,000
Frank Jelincich 28 OF .125 1 1 5,000
Jim Mallory 27 OF .167 0 0 5,000
Stan Spence 31 OF .244 4 41 5,100
Goody Rosen 33 OF .277 5 69 8,600
Johnny Welaj 31 OF .254 4 59 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Paul Dean 32 50-34 3.72 386 11,400
Jack Hallett 31 6- 6 6.09 34 5,000
Luke Hamlin 41 63-60 3.75 467 10,200
George Jeffcoat 32 6- 9 4.68 76 5,000
Tom Seats 35 2- 2 4.69 25 5,000
Bill Swift 38 95-80 3.56 608 17,000

Players at major league camp without contracts

Nelson Burbrink C 24
Ebba St.Claire C 24
Dick Sisler 1B 25
Dick Cole 2B 19
Ralph LaPointe 2B 24
Steve Shemo 2B 30
Frankie Zak SS 24
Bob Rothel 3B 22
Red Durrett OF 25
Marv Rackley OF 24
Bill Renna OF 21
Woody Abernathy P 31
Bill Bevens P 29
Paul Calvert P 28
Sandy Consuegra P 25
Jesse Flores P 31
Clayton Lambert P 29
Al Papai P 28
Johnny Sain P 28
Jug Thesenga P 31

Players at minor league camp

Billy Holm C 33
Tony Parisse C 34
Jerry McCarthy 1B 22
Don Savage 3B 27
Claude Corbitt SS 30
Rudy Rufer SS 19
Pete Laydon OF 26
Larry Miggins OF 20
Joe Tepsic OF 22
Clarence Beers P 27
Don Grate P 22
Earl Harrist P 26
Earl Henry P 28
Eli Hodkey P 28
Lyman Linde P 25
Dutch McCall P 25
Jim Mertz P 29
Jack Phillips P 26
Steve Roser P 28
Charlie Sproull P 27
Sandy Ullrich P 24

[SelzShoes]

Here is what I know about the Washington Senators: Mickey Vernon is one of my top 20 "underappreciated" players of all-time; Early Wynn is a mean sumbitch and Dutch Leonard throws a knuckler. If Babe Herman (Yes, that Babe Herman) makes the squad, this could be a heckuva fun year. Sadly, I don't think the Lesser Babe will get past anyone to get a slot--heck, he may retire in ST.

Note on the name: I had been refering to the Washington Club as the Nationals. With the PCL admitting the Phoenix Senators, noise was made of a lawsuit ("Since the club is also known as the 'Senators' confusion could be had on the part of the public on which club is playing," the letter read in part.), and rather than fight an unnecessary battle, the Phoenix club will be renamed

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Jake Early 30 C .274 15 82 8,800
Al Evans 29 C .288 1 27 8,400
Ray Hayworth 42 C .266 5 238 12,900
Norm Schlueter 29 C .230 0 15 5,000
Bert Haas 32 1B .400 0 2 7,100
Jack Sanford 28 1B .205 0 10 5,400
Mickey Vernon 27 1B .282 10 123 5,000
Jimmy Bloodworth 28 2B .255 22 184 11,700
Sherry Robertson 27 3B .194 0 0 6,900
Jimmy Pofahl 28 SS .227 2 42 5,000
Cecil Travis 32 SS .327 25 581 28,800
George Case 30 OF .291 11 195 7,600
Babe Herman 42 OF .325 180 988 33,400
Buddy Lewis 29 OF .304 53 449 17,100
Red Marion 32 OF .182 1 1 5,000
Gene Moore 36 OF .277 45 289 18,200
Roberto Ortiz 30 OF .329 1 17 5,800

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Alex Carrasquel 33 17-13 4.32 90 8,000
Sid Hudson 31 30-30 4.02 204 7,800
Dutch Leonard 37 82-78 3.48 484 23,200
Walt Masterson 25 9-18 5.36 120 5,000
Prince Oana 38 1 season as OF 5,000
Bill Trotter 37 19-31 5.20 145 5,700
Early Wynn 26 3- 3 2.98 16 7,800
Bill Zuber 33 10- 9 5.56 98 7,200

Players at major league camp without a contract

Al Kozar 2B 24
Bobby Rhawn 3B 27
Heinie Heltzel 3B 32
Strick Shofner 3B 26
Eddie Yost 3B 19
John Sullivan SS 25
George Binks OF 29
Gil Coan OF 23
Jack Brittin P 22
Jim Davis P 21
Jerry Lane P 20
Johnny Rutherford P 20
Dick Strahs P 22
Les Willis P 38
Frank Wurm P 21

Players in minor league camp.

Benny Culp C 32
Red Hayworth C 30
Jay Difani 2B 22
Cal Ermer 2B 22
Billy Reed 2B 23
Ray Goolsby OF 26
Max Marshall OF 32
John Simmons OF 21
Junior Wooten OF 22
Loren Bain P 23
Bill Bonness P 22
Jorge Comellas P 29
Ramon Garcia P 22
Ross Grimsley P 23
Clint Hartung P 23
Lloyd Hittle P 22
Bert Kuczynski P 26
Royce Lint P 25
Bill Pierro P 19
Spec Shea P 25
Lefty Wallace P 24

[SelzShoes]

This should end up being a very young team. Now that can be good and bad. Good: the kids will be in awe of the Babe, listen to him and they win half thier games. Bad: the kids will be in awe of the Babe, be constant screw ups and lose 100. Negro Leaguers Max Manning and Winston Lafayette should pitch well enough to make the Babe seem smart to finish in the middle of the pack.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Frankie Hayes 31 C .278 85 406 10,700
Hal Wagner 30 C .228 1 33 9,700
Dick Siebert 34 1B .298 16 233 7,800
Crash Davis 26 2B .238 0 17 5,000
Don Richmond 26 3B .200 0 5 5,300
Al Brancato 26 SS .218 4 80 5,000
Pete Suder 29 SS .245 4 52 5,000
Jack Wallaesa 26 SS .150 0 2 5,800
Eddie Carnett 29 OF .000 0 0 5,000
Sam Chapman 29 OF .284 80 308 11,700
Bob Johnson 40 OF .299 239 960 38,000
Dee Miles 37 OF .291 2 111 5,000
Elmer Valo 25 OF .397 2 6 7,500

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Bill Beckmann 38 20-24 4.75 95 5,000
Herman Besse 34 2- 3 9.17 27 5,000
Ken Chase 32 44-67 4.26 453 7,800
Dick Fowler 25 1- 2 3.38 8 5,100
Lum Harris 31 4- 4 4.78 49 5,600
Jack Knott 39 80-92 4.93 451 7,900
Phil Marchildon 32 10-17 3.74 78 7,800
Porter Vaughan 26 2-11 5.83 52 5,300
Roger Wolff 34 0- 2 3.18 2 6,200

Negro Leaguers invited to camp

Buck O'Neill 1B 35 7,800
Winston Lafayette P 26 5,000
Max Manning P 28 10,026

Players at major league camp without a contract.

Joe Astroth C 23
George Yankowski C 23
Ferris Fain 1B 24
Kerby Farrell 1B 32
Bob Wellman 1B 20
Gene Handley 2B 31
Emil Verban 2B 30
George Kell 3B 23
Ed Wheeler 3B 30
Billy DeMars SS 20
Vern Benson OF 21
Norm Brown P 27
John Burrows P 32
Bobby Shantz P 20
Bill Webb P 32

Players invited to minor league camp.

George Armstrong C 21
Earle Brucker C 20
Dick Adams 1B 25
Hank Biasatti 1B 24
John Douglas 1B 28
Bruce Konopka 1B 26
Irv Hall 2B 27
Nick Picciuto 3B 24
Jake Caulfield SS 28
Earl Naylor OF 26
Gene Bearden P 25
Lou Brissie P 21
Joe Coleman P 23
Al Corwin P 19
Lee Griffeth P 20
Ernest Groth P 23
Bubba Harris P 20
Alex Kellner P 21
Turk Lown P 21
Lou Lucier P 28
Baby Ortiz P 26
Duane Pillette P 23
Bob Savage P 24
Harry Schaeffer P 21
Carl Scheib P 19

[SelzShoes]

Another organization that stripped down to its basics and had plenty of younger players waiting to come aboard. Lots of slots open on this club. Minoso will spark this club.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Bill Conroy 31 C .212 0 3 5,500
Herb Crompton 34 C .333 0 0 5,000
Mickey Owen 29 C .251 8 162 8,400
Don Padgett 34 C .292 34 277 9,200
Dolph Camilli 38 1B .285 205 779 23,800
Billy Herman 36 2B .308 40 618 47,000
Alex Kampouris 33 2B .246 43 264 14,700
Cookie Lavagetto 33 3B .272 34 448 8,200
Lew Riggs 35 3B .262 25 249 14,500
Leo Durocher 40 SS .247 24 564 55,000
Pee Wee Reese 27 SS .244 7 74 5,800
Augie Galan 33 OF .276 59 439 15,200
Joe Medwick 34 OF .332 180 1047 42,400
Pete Reiser 27 OF .329 17 96 11,400
Dixie Walker 35 OF .299 52 401 16,600

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Johnny Allen 40 122-58 3.78 948 23,000
Hugh Casey 32 40-29 3.43 203 12,500
Bob Chipman 27 1- 0 0.00 3 5,400
Curt Davis 42 113-91 3.54 489 32,000
Kirby Higbe 30 49-43 3.79 359 9,200
Newt Kimball 31 7- 2 3.75 45 6,400
Whit Wyatt 38 71-70 3.99 674 19,800

Negro Leaguers invited to major league camp

Minnie Minoso 3B 23 5,000
Don Newcombe P 19 5,000

Players at major league camp without contracts.

Ed Stevens 1B 21
Gil Hodges 3B 21
Eddie Miksis 3B 19
Tommy Brown SS 18
Cal Abrams OF 22
Carl Furillo OF 24
Gene Hermanski OF 25
George Shuba OF 21
Duke Snider OF 19
Ralph Branca P 20
John Corriden P 28
Harry Dorish P 24
Carl Erskine P 19
Ray Martin P 21
Cal McLish P 20
Paul Minner P 22

Players invited to minor league camp

Ferrell Anderson C 28
Bruce Edwards C 22
Babe Martin C 26
Chuck Connors 1B 24
Howie Schultz 1B 23
Eddie Basinski 2B 23
Joe Buzas SS 26
Stan Rojek SS 26
Don Lund OF 22
Jess Pike OF 30
Dale Alderson P 28
Rex Barney P 21
Jack Crimian P 20
Otis Davis P 25
Hal Gregg P 24
John Hall P 22
Red Hardy P 23
Phil Haugstad P 22
Clyde King P 21
Erv Palica P 18
Bud Podbielan P 22
Ken Polivka P 25
Elmer Sexauer P 19
Roy Wise P 20

[SelzShoes]

Despite the fact the Bison should be able to have a decent rotation things are geared for the future in Buffalo. There isn't going to be a whole lot of depth, but there should be enough 'major league' hitters for the Bison to have some success. Created player Graham Walker is in the major league camp, but needs some retirements to get a 5th OF slot. Created pitcher Achilles Brown should get significant mound time.


Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Gene Desautels 38 C .237 3 146 11,300
John Leovich 27 C .500 0 0 5,000
Pat Ankenman 33 SS .000 0 0 5,000
Pete Coscarat 32 SS .240 13 112 5,000
Roy Cullenbine 32 OF .273 23 170 9,400
Felix Mackiewicz 28 OF .286 0 0 5,900
Joe Vosmik 35 OF .308 65 865 14,700
Hub Walker 39 OF .267 5 59 6,900
Lloyd Waner 40 OF .319 27 584 17,300

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Art Johnson 29 7-16 3.76 71 5,000
Hersh Lyons 30 0- 0 0.00 1 5,000
Jake Mooty 32 14-18 3.83 109 6,900
Fritz Ostermueller 38 59-68 4.38 442 19,700
Nels Potter 34 22-39 5.81 189 5,000

Negro Leaguers invited to major league camp.

Achilles Brown P 19 5,000
Chuck Harmon 21 3B 5,000

Players invited to major league camp without contracts.

Charlie Fox C 24
Len Okrie C 22
Dee Fondy 1B 21
Tom Hamilton 1B 20
Buddy Blattner 2B 26
Fred Marsh 2B 22
Leo Thomas 3B 22
Garton Del Savio SS 32
Wally Flager SS 24
Bobby Wilkins SS 23
Chuck Hostetler OF 42
George Lerchen OF 23
Graham Walker OF 18
Gus Zernial OF 22
Red Adams P 24
Ed Bahr P 26
Hal Brown P 21
Arnold Carter P 28
George Dockins P 28
Bob Katz P 35
Mel Queen P 28
Owen Scheetz P 32
Al Sima P 24

Players invited to minor league camp.

Joe Erautt C 24
Clyde Kluttz C 28
Ed Mickelson 1B 19
Ed Lyons 2B 22
Jackie Sullivan 2B 28
Ducky Detweiler 3B 27
Frank Whitman SS 21
Bill Burgo OF 26
Danny Gardella OF 26
Bob Thorpe OF 19
Lou Bevil P 23
Rex Cecil P 29
Jack Creel P 29
Leo Cristante P 19
Stan Ferens P 31
Ray Hathaway P 29
Chris Haughey P 20
Bobo Holloman P 21
Sid Schacht P 28
Lefty Scott P 30
Lefty Sloat P 27
Max Surkont P 23
Dizzy Sutherland P 23
George Woodend P 28

[SelzShoes]

The Reds have a beginning of a solid, if 'veteran' rotation that could keep them competitive. However, too many bargin basement hitters will drag this club to just ahead of the 3 expansion clubs. The Negro League players they are bringing in don't add any youth, and could lose it at any moment. I just don't like what I see here.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ray Lamanno 26 C .000 0 0 6,000
Johnny Riddle 40 C .260 0 9 8,900
Dick West 30 C .236 2 27 5,000
Frank McCormick 34 1B .310 59 472 11,100
Eddie Shokes 26 1B .000 0 0 6,000
Lonny Frey 35 2B .273 53 432 21,200
Roy Schalk 37 2B .250 0 0 5,000
Benny Zientara 28 2B .286 0 2 6,100
Chuck Aleno 29 3B .243 1 18 5,000
Eddie Joost 29 SS .238 5 79 7,900
Bobby Mattick 30 SS .234 0 64 5,000
Harry Craft 30 OF .258 44 261 5,000
Jim Gleeson 34 OF .264 16 152 5,000
Ival Goodman 37 OF .282 91 449 17,700
Ernie Koy 36 OF .285 32 234 5,000
Eddie Lukon 25 OF .267 0 3 5,800
Mike McCormick 28 OF .294 5 61 6,700
Hank Sauer 29 OF .303 0 5 6,100

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Joe Beggs 35 19- 8 3.56 52 11,000
Joe Bowman 35 54- 73 4.43 378 10,200
Paul Derringer 39 180-163 3.44 1209 24,700
Elmer Riddle 31 20- 6 2.18 89 12,300
Johnny Vander Meer 31 42- 38 3.43 522 12,300
Bucky Walters 36 117- 95 3.43 674 31,600

Negro Leaguers invited to major league camp.

Buck Leonard 1B 38 22,800
Willie Wells SS 37 6,450

Players invited to major league camp without contracts.

Johnny Pramesa C 20
Ted Kluszewski 1B 21
Bobby Adams 2B 24
Grady Hatton 3B 23
Huck Geary SS 29
Ewell Blackwell P 23
George Burpo P 23
Woody Crowson P 27
Jim Hickey P 25
Ralph McCabe P 27
Joe Nuxhall P 17
Vic Raschi P 27
Charlie Ripple P 24
Ben Wade P 23

Players invited to minor league camp.

Bill DeKoning C 27
Al Lakeman C 27
Jim McDonnell C 23
Moon Mullen 2B 29
Lonnie Goldstein 1B 27
Frank Baumholtz OF 27
Dain Clay OF 26
Garland Lawing OF 26
Bob Usher OF 21
Clyde Vollmer OF 24
Bob Barthelson P 21
Jim Blackburn P 21
John Carden P 24
Ben Cardoni P 25
Eddie Erautt P 21
Bobby Herrera P 19
Johnny Hetki P 23
Buddy Lively P 21
Dave Madison P 25
Kent Peterson P 20
Bill Reeder P 24
Herm Wehmeier P 19

[SelzShoes]

The Clippers could pull together a fairly strong pitching staff. I fear they could end up with a very weak offense. I can see a handful of players without contracts that could really help but those players will need a strong spring to make the club.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Herman Franks 32 C .185 2 28 7,900
Merv Shea 45 C .219 4 114 9,800
Al Todd 44 C .278 35 365 9,000
Joe Orengo 31 1B .258 11 81 11,200
Al Glossop 31 2B .221 8 25 7,300
Johnny Hudson 33 3B .244 4 96 5,000
Billy Werber 37 3B .277 77 526 19,100
Ed Boland 37 OF .247 0 9 5,000
Myril Hoag 38 OF .280 25 330 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Marv Breuer 31 17- 16 4.35 148 5,000
George Caster 38 48- 80 4.97 421 8,400
Jess Dobernic 28 0- 1 13.50 1 5,300
Tom Ferrick 31 8- 10 3.77 30 7,200
Art Herring 40 16- 25 4.78 150 10,600
Al Hollingsworth 38 34- 67 4.28 374 7,300
Les McCrabb 31 10- 15 5.32 55 5,000
Archie McKain 34 25- 20 4.27 182 13,500
Bobo Newsom 38 133-122 4.25 1308 25,700
Jack Salveson 32 4- 6 4.48 50 6,700

Negro Leaguers invited to major league camp.

Martin Dihigo 2B 40 29,200
Dan Bankhead P 25 5,000

Players invited to major league camp without contracts.

Eddie Malone C 25
John Antonelli 1B 30
Rance Pless 1B 20
Hank Sweeney 1B 30
Fred Hatfield 2B 21
Nap Reyes 3B 26
Snuffy Stirnweiss 3B 27
Leon Brinkopf SS 19
Gene Mauch SS 20
Buddy Peterson SS 20
Earl Rapp OF 24
Lee Riley OF 39
Russ Sullivan OF 23
Thurman Tucker OF 28
Ed White OF 19
Walter Brown P 30
Clem Dreisewerd P 30
Owen Hunter P 22
Butch Wensloff P 30

Players invited to minor league camp.

Bob Finley C 30
Dixie Howell C 25
Gus Niarhos C 25
Hank Workman 1B 20
Red Borom 2B 29
Lou Rochelli 2B 27
Joe Burns 3B 29
Dick Kimble SS 30
Tony Criscola OF 30
Russ Derry OF 29
Hal Peck OF 28
Hardin Cathey P 26
Vern Curtis P 25
Blix Donnelly P 32
Joe Hatten P 29
Bobby Hogue P 24
Bob Hooper P 23
Bob Porterfield P 22
Earl Reid P 32
Saul Rogovin P 22
Walter Signer P 35
Ted Wilks P 30
Pete Wojey P 26
Pinky Woods P 30

[SelzShoes]

Three of our created players end up with the Hollywood Stars (Meridius, Gathers, and Cressio) so they'll get alot of attention over the season. Add in they should roll through the PCL, espcially if Hilton Smith and Ray Brown are as overwhelming as they were at the tryout camp. I don't know if they can win the post season series from the CL, but 100 wins should be this club's goal.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ed Fernandes 28 C .121 0 2 5,800
Tony Giuliani 33 C .235 0 49 7,400
Jack Bolling 29 1B .289 3 13 5,000
Frank Skaff 35 1B .545 0 0 5,000
Phil Weintraub 38 1B .293 9 88 9,200
Don Heffner 35 2B .247 6 234 5,000
Maximus Meridius 32 2B Created Player 25,000
Woody Williams 33 2B .333 0 6 5,000
Harley Gathers 32 3B Created Player 28,000
Warren Huston 32 3B .130 0 3 5,000
Hillis Layne 28 3B .280 0 6 5,000
Steve Mesner 28 3B .198 0 16 6,800
Red Barkley 32 SS .241 0 14 5,000
Mike Kreevich 37 OF .290 36 386 8,500

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Bob Bowman 35 26- 17 3.83 146 5,000
Mace Brown 36 58- 47 3.65 365 14,100
Hugh East 26 1- 1 3.45 4 5,000
Wes Flowers 32 1- 1 3.43 8 5,000
Ed Head 28 1- 2 4.12 13 5,800
Rube Melton 29 1- 5 4.73 57 5,100
Dick Mulligan 28 0- 1 5.00 2 5,900
Tot Pressnell 39 31- 29 3.66 148 5,900
Buck Ross 31 37- 73 5.14 254 5,000

Negro Leaguers invited to major league camp.

Eugene Bremmer 31 P 15,600
Ray Brown P 38 15,900
Hilton Smith P 39 18,171

Players invited to major league camp without contracts.

Eddie McGah C 24
Bill Mills C 25
Jack Merson 2B 24
Vince Cressio SS 24
Milt Byrnes OF 29
Allie Clark OF 22
Lew Flick OF 31
Carmen Mauro OF 19
Tom McBride OF 31
Dino Restelli OF 21
Red Treadway OF 25
Milo Candini P 28
Ed Klieman P 28
Hank Miklos P 35

Players invited to minor league camp.

Joe Antolick C 29
Bill Peterman C 25
Hugh Poland C 33
Fred Taylor 1B 21
Luis Suarez 3B 29
Boyd Bartley SS 26
John O'Neil SS 25
Pete Gray OF 31
Frankie Kelleher OF 29
Ernie Kish OF 28
Cot Deal P 23
Deacon Donahue P 25
Karl Drews P 26
Ken Gables P 27
Steve Gerkin P 33
Dick Hoover P 20
Jim Hopper P 26
John McGillen P 28
Julio Moreno P 25
Frank Papish P 28
Frank Rosso P 25
Bert Thiel P 19
Lou Tost P 34
Joe Vitelli P 37
Walter Wilson P 32

[SelzShoes]

From the hapless Browns to a legitimate contender in a matter of months. I still think the pitching is going to be a little less than spectacular, but the everyday line up should be impressive. Robinson was initially going to play first, until they snapped up Salazar. If Vern Stephens can win the shortstop job, then Robinson could end up being an everyday player without a position.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Rick Ferrell 40 C .286 27 613 24,000
Mike Guerra 33 C .000 0 0 5,900
Clyde Sukeforth 44 C .262 2 95 26,700
Bob Swift 31 C .248 0 60 5,000
George Archie 31 1B .276 3 53 5,900
George McQuinn 35 1B .299 66 353 10,600
Chuck Stevens 27 1B .154 0 2 5,700
Johnny Berardino 28 2B .262 26 232 6,000
Johnny Lucadello 27 3B .276 4 45 7,300
Alan Strange 39 3B .221 1 84 5,000
Vern Stephens 25 SS .500 0 0 6,000
Joe Grace 32 OF .296 14 111 7,200
Wally Judnich 29 OF .293 38 172 8,400
Chet Laabs 33 OF .269 50 237 7,400
Glenn McQuillen 30 OF .292 0 16 6,200

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Elden Auker 35 116-88 4.47 532 13,900
Bill Butland 28 1- 2 5.57 5 5,700
Earl Cook 37 0- 0 4.50 1 5,000
Harry Dean 30 0- 0 4.50 0 5,000
Denny Galehouse 34 49-55 4.55 405 13,300
Jack Kramer 28 16-26 5.79 100 5,000
Bob Muncrief 30 13- 9 3.82 68 9,500

Negro Leaguers invited to major league camp.

Lazaro Salazar 1B 34 29,600
Artie Wilson 2B 25 6,000
Ray Dandridge 3B 32 15,375
Jackie Robinson SS 27 15,000
Willard Brown OF 30 5,309
Monte Irvin OF 27 23,891
Leon Day P 29 12,927
Satchel Paige P 39 43,091

Players invited to major league camp without contracts.

Roy Sievers 1B 19
Floyd Baker 3B 29
Bob Dillinger 3B 27
Tony Ordenana SS 27
Frank Biscan P 26
Cliff Chambers P 24
Marv Grissom P 28
Homer Spragins P 25
Bill Werle P 25

Players invited to minor league camp.

Frank Mancuso C 27
Les Moss C 20
Del Wilber C 27
Hank Arft 1B 24
Andy Anderson SS 23
George Bradley OF 32
Ray Coleman OF 23
George Elder OF 25
Paul Lehner OF 25
Ken Wood OF 21
James Atkins P 25
Jim Bilbrey P 21
Ed Chandler P 24
Lou Ciola P 23
Joe Cleary P 27
Pat Cooper P 28
Cliff Fannin P 21
Tex Hoyle P 24
Al Lyons P 27
Mickey McGowan P 24
Jean-Pierre Roy P 25
Charley Schanz P 26
Blackie Schwamb P 19

[SelzShoes]

Another club that is planning for tommorrow. The not terrible pitching should keep the kids in the game, one hopes veterans like Hersh Martin and Babe Dahlgren can 'teach them to win.' I don't think they'll finish last. I won't really have a good graspe of how bad the expansion/PCL clubs are until spring training.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ray Mueller 34 C .235 11 96 8,300
Dixie Parsons 29 C .000 0 0 5,000
Babe Dahlgren 33 1B .256 60 322 5,000
Hank Majeski 29 3B .254 7 57 8,000
Chet Clemens 28 OF .217 0 1 5,000
Hersh Martin 36 OF .286 12 115 9,300
Larry Rosenthal 35 OF .275 21 169 9,700
Fuzz White 27 OF .000 0 0 5,900

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Frank Barrett 32 0- 1 5.40 3 5,900
Chief Hogsett 42 63-87 5.05 436 9,800
Johnny Humphries 30 15-16 4.98 110 5,900
Hooks Iott 26 0- 0 9.00 1 6,000
Sig Jakucki 36 0- 3 8.71 9 5,000
Ronnie Miller 27 0- 0 4.50 0 5,000
Sam Nahem 30 6- 2 2.98 33 7,700
Ewald Pyle 35 0- 2 12.96 5 5,000
Preacher Roe 31 0- 0 13.50 1 6,000
Bill Sayles 28 0- 0 7.07 9 5,000
Jack Wilson 33 67-68 4.51 565 12,100
Max Wilson 29 0- 0 12.86 3 6,000

Negro Leaguers invited to major league camp.

Pat Patterson 3B 35 8,000
Sam Jethroe OF 28 17,086
Dave Barnhill P 32 16,386

Players invited to major league camp without contracts.

Les Peden C 22
Red Steiner C 31
Lou Limmer 1B 21
Tommy Giordano 2B 20
Roy Hartsfield 2B 20
Ray Jablonski 3B 19
Bill Rigney 3B 28
Tod Davis SS 21
Wally Klukas SS 18
Mike Milosevich SS 31
Willy Miranda SS 19
Harry Elliott OF 22
Jim Fridley OF 21
Dick Whitman OF 25
Al Zarilla OF 26
Bob Gillespie P 26
Sal Maglie P 28

Players invited to minor league camp.

Marv Felderman C 30
Les Fusselman C 25
Roy Partee C 28
Ed Murphy 1B 27
Papa Williams 1B 32
Al Federoff 2B 21
Larry Eschen SS 25
Frank Verdi SS 19
Al Libke OF 27
Frank Saucier OF 19
Tommy Tatum OF 26
Vince Ventura OF 28
Ed Blake P 20
Harry Byrd P 21
Bob Chesnes P 24
George Eyrich P 21
Al Gerheauser P 28
Harvey Haddix P 20
Sheldon Jones P 24
Jim Mains P 23
Dave Odom P 27
Ray Poat P 28
Ray Scarborough P 28
Harry Shuman P 31
Jocko Thompson P 29

[SelzShoes]

Come on, Grandpa!
As I told you in the PM, Wally Klukas has a very good shot to make the club; but he would have to win the starting job outright. There are a total of 6 shortstops in camp, but only one who isn't a prospect. This could be the start of a Robin Yount-type career for gramps. Keep an eye on the player update thread when spring training begins (hopefully this weekend).

On another note, storyline post in the main CIE thread will be picking up by the end of this weekend.

[SelzShoes]

The expectations of the Yankees is not just to win the CL, but to clear 100 wins. There are still some questions, even with the trio of Greenberg-Feller-Wyse coming aboard. Who will play center? Right now Johnny Lindell has to be the best canidate at this point, unless Bob Cerv suddenly makes a great leap forward at 19. I can't see Red Rolfe being an effective 3B for a long period. Bobby Brown or Billy Johnson are the only in house options. Even the big trio has questions, since all hit or pitch righthanded--Yankee Stadium is not kind to righties. I think Brooklyn and Kansas City can make a run at the Yankees. In a two team race, I'll bet on the Yanks; in a three-way race I'm not so sure.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Bill Dickey 38 C .313 194 1129 49,000
Paul Richards 37 C .216 4 42 7,200
Buddy Rosar 31 C .290 5 85 9,700
Ken Silvestri 29 C .209 5 19 7,600
Hank Greenberg 35 1B .325 249 1015 192,000
Joe Gordon 31 2B .275 107 398 21,400
Charlie Letchas 30 2B .212 1 4 6,500
Jerry Priddy 26 2B .213 1 26 6,800
Al Rubeling 32 2B .246 4 40 5,000
Red Rolfe 37 3B .293 61 472 10,090
Jimmy Brown 35 SS .292 8 228 5,900
Frankie Crosetti 35 SS .247 83 525 11,100
Phil Rizzuto 28 SS .307 3 46 8,200
Stan Benjamin 31 OF .226 3 30 5,000
Tommy Henrich 33 OF .285 80 328 15,500
Charlie Keller 29 OF .304 65 298 17,100
Johnny Lindell 29 OF .000 0 0 6,000
Wally Moses 35 OF .317 61 354 19,400
George Selkirk 38 OF .293 108 566 17,800

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Tiny Bonham 32 18- 9 2.51 80 10,060
Norm Branch 31 5- 1 2.87 28 5,000
Atley Donald 35 30- 12 3.52 192 9,700
Bob Feller 27 107- 54 3.18 1233 90,900
Lefty Gomez 37 183- 97 3.31 1427 33,200
Johnny Murphy 37 73- 37 3.64 295 22,700
Steve Peek 31 4- 2 5.06 18 5,000
Red Ruffing 41 244-209 3.85 1853 49,300
Marius Russo 31 36- 21 3.01 247 15,200
Charley Stanceu 30 3- 3 5.63 21 5,000
Hooks Wyse 28 No Major League Exp. 48,200

Players at major league camp without contracts

Joe Collins 1B 23
Dick Kryhoski 1B 21
Jerry Coleman 2B 21
Bobby Brown SS 21
Hank Bauer OF 23
Bob Cerv OF 19
Monk Dubiel P 28
Wally Hood P 20
Earl Jones P 26
Eddie Yuhas P 21

Players at minor league camp.

Yogi Berra C 20
Bill Drescher C 24
Charlie Silvera C 21
Fenton Mole 1B 20
Al Gardella 1B 28
Eddie Bockman 3B 25
Billy Johnson 3B 27
Elmer Weingartner SS 27
Steve Filipowicz OF 24
Charlie Bowles P 29
Con Dempsey P 22
Vern Fear P 21
Don Johnson P 19
Ken Johnson P 23
Doyle Lade P 25
Cuddles Marshall P 20
Mike Modak P 23
Joe Page P 28
Lou Sleater P 19
Forrest Thompson P 28
Ken Trinkle P 26

[SelzShoes]

When asked why he took the Oaks' job, Casey Stengel simply said, "They've got enough pitching to make me look smart." I don't really know where the offense is going to come from; Casey's Kids won't hurt for enthusiasm. Negro Leaguers Lick Carlisle and Ted Strong take care of the lead off and clean up slots; everything else is up for grabs. I don't expect much over the whole season; this is a club who should get better in the second half. One of the few clubs (Seattle, Brooklyn and Kansas City) that have stated they would not be against signing more Negro Leaguers during the season.


Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ray Berres 38 C .216 2 73 7,100
Hal Luby 32 3B .184 0 3 5,000
Don Ross 31 3B .264 2 38 7,500
Buster Adams 30 OF .000 0 0 6,000
Joe Cicero 35 OF .242 0 8 5,400

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Dick Coffman 39 70- 94 4.64 370 13,900
Ray Harrell 34 9- 20 5.76 129 5,000
Roy Henshaw 34 31- 34 4.12 270 6,100
Gene Lambert 24 0- 1 2.00 3 5,000
Danny MacFayden 40 130-158 3.95 792 18,900
Les Mueller 27 0- 0 4.85 8 5,000
Mike Naymick 28 1- 3 4.67 18 5,000
Clyde Shoun 34 33- 30 4.44 252 8,000
Ralph Winegarner 36 8- 6 5.12 81 8,600

Negro Leaguers invited to camp.

Lick Carlisle 2B 36 17,857
Ted Strong OF 29 17,100

Players at major league camp without contracts

Sam Calderone C 20
Paul Gillespie C 25
Fred Walters C 33
Dale Long 1B 20
Bill McGhee 1B 40
Spook Jacobs 2B 20
Jack Maguire 2B 21
Grey Clarke 3B 33
Al Rosen 3B 22
Danny Reynolds SS 26
Virgil Stallcup SS 24
George Strickland SS 20
Grant Dunlap OF 22
Clarence Maddern OF 24
Ed McGhee OF 21
Sam Mele OF 23
Walt Moryn OF 19
Tom Saffell OF 24
Hank Borowy P 29
Zeb Eaton P 26
Ernie Johnson P 21
Fred Martin P 30
Stubby Overmire P 26
Sam Zoldak P 27

Players at minor league camp.

Ted Pawelek C 26
Len Rice C 27
Ken Sears C 28
Jerry Witte 1B 30
Tony Daniels 2B 21
Joe Wood 2B 26
Loyd Christopher OF 26
Ed Freed OF 26
Tommy Neill OF 26
Howie McFarland OF 36
Val Heim OF 25
Bill Bradford P 24
Bubba Church P 21
Tommy Fine P 31
Charlie Gassaway P 27
Randy Heflin P 27
Vic Johnson P 25
Al Jurisich P 24
Glen Moulder P 28
George Spencer P 19
Jim Suchecki P 19
Junior Walsh P 27
Joe Wood P 29

[SelzShoes]

Obviously the most attention on the Cowboys roster goes to the geezer trio of Simmons, West and Dean. Bucketfoot Al is managing and Sam West is also the hitting coach--and they have a few gems on this roster. Up the middle the Hughes-Donovan-Crutchfield group is excellent. Premium attention was paid to contact guys with little power. If the really good arms can be found from the cast of thousands, the 'Boys could surprise with how competitive they can be.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Bob Garbark 36 C .219 0 9 8,500
Dee Moore 31 C .217 0 1 7,000
Stu Martin 32 2B .273 15 166 5,000
Mark Christman 32 3B .236 1 64 5,600
Tony Cuccinello 38 3B .281 89 797 26,300
Gil Torres 30 SS .000 0 0 6,000
Babe Barna 31 OF .250 3 16 5,000
Frank Secory 33 OF .000 0 0 6,000
Al Simmons 43 OF .336 306 1813 50,000
Sam West 41 OF .301 75 813 23,100
Chuck Workman 31 OF .222 0 0 6,900

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Dizzy Dean 36 150- 83 3.03 1163 38,200
Harry Eisenstat 30 23- 26 3.99 138 10,100
Wally Herbert 38 11- 25 5.65 74 5,000
Dixie Howell 26 0- 0 1.80 2 6,000
Bill Lohrman 32 41- 45 3.78 261 9,900
Wimpy Quinn 27 0- 0 7.20 2 5,000

Negro Leaguers invited to camp.

Sammy Hughes 2B 36 22,500
Jimmy Crutchfield OF 36 23,000

Players at major league camp without contracts

Andy Seminick C 25
Joe Tipton C 24
Ben Taylor 1B 21
Harry Malmberg 2B 20
Randy Jackson 3B 20
Tommy Nelson 3B 28
Rabbit Donovan SS 22
Clem Koshorek SS 20
Joe Frazier OF 23
Bill Higdon OF 21
Lloyd Merriman OF 21
Don Thompson OF 22
Joe Berry P 41
Ken Burkhart P 29
Russ Christopher P 28
Chet Covington P 35
Ellis Kinder P 31
Harry MacPherson P 19
Jack Robinson P 25
Rocky Stone P 27
Bill Wight P 23

Players at minor league camp.

Jim Devlin C 23
Mike Garbark C 30
Milt Welch C 21
Joe Lutz 1B 21
Mickey Rocco 1B 30
Steve Biras 2B 24
Al Cihocki SS 21
Pete Milne OF 20
Bruce Sloan OF 31
Mayo Smith OF 31
Don White OF 27
Mike Budnick P 26
Ray Flanigan P 23
Ralph Hamner P 29
Herb Karpel P 28
Lou Knerr P 24
Ox Miller P 30
Joe Murray P 25
Jim Pearce P 20
Allie Reynolds P 29
Dick Starr P 25
Hal Toenes P 28
Les Webber P 30

[SelzShoes]

When I think about clubs who can win the PCL title, the Beavers aren't usually that high on my list. This is a team, because of the age, is built for "this year". Created players Fitzpatrick and Denton are the key guys in the line up, but there could be a farely decent line up here--depending on who does well this spring. If Portland does not draw, then this could be the last best chance for a winner in the Rose City for awhile.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ken O'Dea 33 C .263 21 181 12,400
Jimmy Fitzpatrick 32 1B No Major League Exp. 40,680
Hal Trosky 33 1B .313 216 911 23,200
Chile Gomez 36 2B .231 0 44 5,000
Jack Saltzgaver 43 2B .249 10 72 5,700
Bill Brubaker 35 3B .262 22 224 10,100
Skeeter Newsome 35 SS .232 4 127 5,000
Pep Young 38 SS .264 31 343 13,400
Morrie Aderholt 30 OF .171 1 5 5,800
Bruce Campbell 36 OF .291 101 703 10,600
Charlie Denton 32 OF No Major League Exp. 39,920
Tuck Stainback 34 OF .265 12 137 5,000
Gee Walker 38 OF .307 109 810 13,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Dick Barrett 39 5- 7 6.05 40 5,000
Earl Caldwell 40 11- 22 5.75 78 7,500
Larry French 38 182-167 3.52 1125 27,800
Bob Logan 36 0- 4 3.03 14 7,900
Max Macon 30 5- 11 4.39 40 5,700
Bill McGee 36 40- 38 3.85 300 8,000
Steve Sundra 36 30- 24 4.59 137 8,200
Yank Terry 35 1- 0 8.84 9 5,600
Hy Vandenberg 40 1- 3 6.69 31 8,300
George Washburn 31 0- 0 13.50 1 5,000

Negro Leaguers invited to camp.

Parnell Woods 3B 34 21,200

Players at major league camp without contracts

Walt Linden C 22
Aaron Robinson C 30
Al Unser C 33
John McHale 1B 24
Mel Hoderlein 2B 22
Roy Nichols 2B 25
Bobby Thomson 3B 22
Bill Jennings SS 20
Jim Dyck OF 24
Frank McElyea OF 27
Jerry Scala OF 21
Otey Clark P 30
Everett Fagan P 28
Whitey Miller P 30
Ernie Nevel P 27
Freddy Schmidt P 30

Players at minor league camp.

Vince Castino C 28
Mickey Kreitner C 23
Stan Galle 3B 27
Jesse Levan 3B 19
Mickey Rutner 3B 26
Tom Upton SS 19
Joe Brovia OF 24
Frank Carswell OF 26
Tommy O'Brien OF 27
George Schmees OF 21
Alton Brown P 20
Lew Burdette P 19
John Dagenhard P 28
Art Fowler P 23
Jack Franklin P 26
Al Gettel P 28
Bill Kennedy P 25
Hal Kleine P 22
Dick Littlefield P 20
Emmett O'Neill P 28
Joe Ostrowski P 29
Al Tate P 27

[SelzShoes]

The Salons have several quality major league players (Warneke, Mungo, Lombardi) in the sunset of thier careers. Created player Gogolak will set the table; if someone other than Easter and created player Thoby can drive him in occasionally, then this could be a contender. A lot of intriging names at camp; they could be alot better than I'm giving them credit for.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ernie Lombardi 37 C .310 124 705 29,400
Anton Gogolak 32 2B No major league exp. 25,000
Bill Knickerbocker 34 2B .278 27 349 5,000
Nick Polly 28 3B .222 2 0 5,000
Eddie Lake 30 SS .158 2 7 7,000
Buster Mills 37 OF .289 13 134 6,600
Johnny Moore 44 OF .308 73 450 11,800
Claude Thoby 35 OF No major league exp. 25,350
Jo-Jo White 36 OF .264 6 173 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Fred Caligiuri 27 2- 2 2.93 7 5,000
Fred Hutchinson 26 6- 13 5.43 54 6,200
Rankin Johnson 29 1- 0 3.60 0 5,000
Walt Lanfranconi 29 0- 1 3.00 1 6,000
Red Lynn 32 5- 4 3.86 50 5,000
Van Mungo 34 102- 99 3.41 1031 27,200
Jim Turner 42 58- 51 3.16 277 16,500
Lon Warneke 37 177-104 3.21 1045 36,800

Negro Leaguers invited to camp.

Luke Easter 1B 30 31,200

Players at major league camp without contracts

Hank Camelli C 31
Joe Rossi C 25
Ralph Weigel C 24
Joe Mack 1B 34
George Vico 1B 22
Stan Jok 3B 19
Spider Jorgensen 3B 26
Roland Gladu 3B 34
Eddie Turchin 3B 29
Alex Grammas SS 19
Bud Hardin SS 23
Les Layton OF 24
Don Lenhardt OF 23
Jim Rivera OF 23
Ed Sanicki OF 22
Mike Garcia P 22
Mickey Haefner P 33
Larry Jansen P 25
Gordon Maltzberger P 33
Barney Schultz P 19
Dick Stone P 34
Andy Tomasic P 26

Players at minor league camp.

Jim Pruett C 28
Mike Sandlock C 30
Ed Butka 1B 30
Chico Garcia 2B 21
Ed Samcoff 2B 21
Frank Campos OF 21
Walt Chipple OF 27
Al Kvasnak OF 25
Charlie Metro OF 26
Chucho Ramos OF 27
Ed Sauer OF 27
Bill Ayers P 26
Dick Bokelmann P 19
Jack Brewer P 26
Bill Connelly P 20
Sonny Dixon P 21
Jerry Fahr P 21
Rufe Gentry P 27
Ken Holcombe P 27
Monte Kennedy P 23
Jack Kraus P 27
Walter Ockey P 26
Roy Talcott P 26

[SelzShoes]

Like the Phoenix Cowboys, the expansion Saints went heavly towards contact guys; similar in make up as manager Paul Waner. Waner is 44 hits from 3000, and will give himself every chance to reach that number. Plenty of money was sunk into pitching, but the offense is pretty bare after created player Spivey. And how happy are these guys knowing they missed by one vote the chance to play in Vegas, not Utah.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Rip Collins 36 C .208 1 14 5,000
Babe Phelps 37 C .314 45 304 15,700
Billy Sullivan 35 C .290 28 366 11,200
Blas Monaco 30 2B .286 0 2 6,100
Roy Hughes 35 SS .277 4 147 10,000
Dashiell Spivey 32 SS No Major League Exp. 50,000
Rene Monteagudo 30 OF .231 0 2 6,000
Jake Powell 37 OF .286 20 253 6,700
Johnny Rizzo 33 OF .275 57 262 7,500
Eric Tipton 30 OF .233 1 14 5,900
Paul Waner 42 OF .338 111 1227 56,100

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Red Barrett 31 3- 0 2.93 7 8,600
Harry Brecheen 31 0- 0 0.00 4 6,000
Ralph Buxton 31 0- 1 4.82 9 6,000
Lou Fette 39 41- 38 3.11 190 11,900
Bill Fleming 32 2- 3 4.41 44 6,900
Randy Gumpert 28 1- 4 6.65 15 7,200
Bob Harris 28 28- 42 5.22 170 6,600
Willis Hudlin 39 158-155 4.41 676 26,300
Dale Jones 27 0- 1 7.56 2 5,000
Bob Joyce 31 3- 5 6.69 25 5,000
Paul Masterson 30 1- 0 5.51 11 5,000
Johnny Niggeling 42 17- 21 4.32 171 8,500
Tom Sunkel 33 5- 5 3.74 77 6,100

Players at major league camp without contracts

Tim Thompson C 22
Vance Dinges 1B 30
Frank Kellert 1B 21
Bobby Morgan 2B 19
Connie Ryan 2B 26
Ed Walczak 2B 27
Joe Abreu 3B 32
Buddy Blair 3B 35
Norm Wallen 3B 29
Damon Phillips SS 26
Bob Marquis OF 21
Whitey Platt OF 25
Hal Rice OF 22
Wally Westlake OF 25
Mal Mallette P 24
Ray Yochim P 23

Players at minor league camp.

Fats Dantonio C 27
Eddie Kearse C 30
Bob Keely C 36
Reggie Otero 1B 30
Jimmy Grant 3B 27
Bitsy Mott SS 27
Ford Garrison OF 30
Johnny Lazor OF 33
Ed Mierkowicz OF 22
Bill Mueller OF 25
Moe Burtschy P 23
George Diehl P 28
Clem Hausmann P 26
Cal Howe P 21
Mike Kume P 19
Rogers McKee P 19
Dee Sanders P 24
Hal Schacker P 20
Bill Voiselle P 27
John Wells P 23
Lefty West P 30
Adrian Zabala P 29

[SelzShoes]

I don't think there is any more wide open club than the Padres. I think they can put together a pretty good pitching staff. I think they have a few quality major league hitters. I think they will have trouble scoring enough to make much noise over the season, but the pitching will make them a tough team.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Sam Narron 32 C .429 0 0 5,000
Vern Freiburger 22 1B .125 0 1 5,000
Bill Schuster 33 SS .333 0 1 6,100
Bobby Bragan 28 SS .238 11 113 5,000
Frenchy Bordagaray 36 OF .287 6 146 5,000
Hal Epps 32 OF .277 1 4 5,000
Bobby Estalella 34 OF .272 10 65 9,500
Frank Kalin 28 OF .000 0 1 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Vern Kennedy 39 82-92 5.00 500 9,900
Bob Klinger 37 43-39 4.17 206 5,300
Rod Lockheart 32 No Major League Exp. 17,100
Pat Tobin 30 0- 0 36.00 0 5,000

Negro Leaguers invited to camp

Lester Lockett 3B 34 22,000
Luis Tiant P 40 9,500

Players at major league camp without contracts

Frank Sacka C 21
Bud Sheely C 25
Don Wheeler C 23
Herb Conyers 1B 25
Chuck Kress 1B 24
Eddie Stanky 2B 29
Howie Moss 3B 26
Bob Ramazzotti 3B 29
Hank Schenz 3B 26
Bill Sommers 3B 23
Ben Steiner 3B 24
George Freese SS 19
Cliff Mapes OF 24
Charlie Mead OF 24
Bud Metheny OF 30
Butch Nieman OF 28
Al Brazle P 32
Bud Byerly P 25
Ed Lopat P 27
Dick Mauney P 26
Joe Orrell P 29
Sid Peterson P 28
Willie Ramsdell P 29
Xavier Rescigno P 32
Gerry Staley P 25
Ed Wright P 26

Players at minor league camp.

Jim Castiglia C 27
Ray Murray C 28
Steve Souchock 1B 27
Jodie Beeler 2B 24
Barney Koch 2B 23
Barney White 3B 22
Dick Adkins SS 26
Bill Endicott OF 27
Anse Moore OF 28
Dick Sipek OF 23
Ken Brondell P 24
Walker Cress P 29
Julio Gonzalez P 25
Chet Johnson P 28
Al Lamacchia P 24
Roy Lee P 28
Art Lopatka P 26
Steve Nagy P 26
Stan Partenheimer P 23
Len Perme P 28
Jim Prendergast P 28
Elmer Singleton P 27
Bob Whitcher P 28

[SelzShoes]

The Rajah has the chance to put out a pretty solid line up; provided he can deal with Josh Gibson's ego. Gibson refused to sign for anything less than "Paige Money". Eventually Gibson signed for more than the Blues gave Paige. Hornsby has already expressed doubts on how successful intergrated baseball can be. If this relationship works out, then the Rainers will score lots of runs. Pitching will be thin, so either way this won't be a contending squad.

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Stan Andrews 28 C .203 0 3 5,100
Tom Padden 37 C .272 2 109 9,200
Ed Levy 29 1B .000 0 0 5,000
George Fallon 31 2B .250 0 0 5,100
Harlond Clift 33 3B .281 160 689 31,800
Mike Chartak 29 OF .133 0 3 5,000
Hank Leiber 35 OF .292 97 495 10,700
Art Rebel 31 OF .222 0 1 5,000
Jimmy Ripple 36 OF .285 28 236 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Dick Conger 24 1- 0 1.29 3 5,000
Ed Heusser 36 18-21 4.44 104 7,800
Ken Jungels 29 1- 0 6.88 14 8,500
Ken Raffensberger 28 7-10 3.50 61 8,400
Jake Wade 34 15-23 5.93 152 5,000

Negro Leaguers invited to camp

Josh Gibson C 34 47,667
Larry Doby 2B 22 12,750
Lennie Pearson OF 28 14,018

Players at major league camp without contracts

Wes Westrum C 23
Jack Phillips 1B 24
Joe Rullo 2B 29
Kermit Wahl 2B 23
Glenn Crawford SS 32
Sammy Meeks SS 22
Sam Dente 3B 23
Buck Fausett 3B 37
Bill Hart 3B 33
Irv Noren OF 21
Paul O'Dea OF 25
Andy Pafko OF 25
Kite Thomas OF 22
Orie Arntzen P 36
Hi Bithorn P 30
Cy Buker P 27
Tommy De La Cruz P 34
Bill Donovan P 29
Hal Erickson P 26
Bill Evans P 27
Glenn Gardner P 30
Andy Karl P 31
Bob Malloy P 27

Players at minor league camp.

George Bradshaw C 21
Danny Doyle C 29
Russ Lyon C 32
Roy Hawes 1B 19
Ray Hamrick 2B 24
Johnny Ostrowski 3B 28
Grady Wilson SS 23
Bobby Balcena OF 20
Austin Knickerbocker OF 27
Luis Olmo OF 26
Archie Wilson OF 22
Jose Zardon OF 22
Hank Behrman P 24
Fred Bradley P 25
Frank Hiller P 25
Niles Jordan P 20
Bob Keegan P 25
Woody Main P 24
Joe Muir P 23
Red Murff P 25
Marino Pieretti P 25
Ozzie Van Brabant P 19
Jim Wilson P 24

[SelzShoes]

Because of the war of some of the players imported were really way past their prime. Every player who announced at the start of the Spring Training phase of the season was subject to 2d10 roll to see who retired immediatly and who played out the season. Odds, they play; evens they retire.

From a baseball stanpoint, the most interesting is Phil Weintraub of Hollywood. With Weintraub, I had the Stars as runaway PCL winners--but now where does the power come from? Pepper Martin of Philadelphia was expected to play alot of center field; but what kind of team expects a 40-something year old corner outfielder to play alot of center? I am personally sad, from a writing standpoint that Babe Herman decided to retire. I have to admit temptation about re-rolling to see if he stayed, but I can't play favorites.

Baltimore:
P Bill Beckmann

Boston:
2B Tom Carey
P Oscar Judd
P Mike Ryba
P Allyn Stout
P Hod Lisenbee

Buffalo:
C Gene Desautels

Chicago:
P Ray Prim

Detroit:
P Clint Brown

Hollywood:
1B Phil Weintraub

Kansas City:
C Rick Ferrell

Los Angeles:
P Pete Appleton
P Freddie Fitzsimmons

Minneapolis:
P Chief Hogsett

New York:
P Carl Hubbell

Philadelphia:
P Si Johnson
OF Pepper Martin

Phoenix:
P Wally Hebert
P Joe Berry
3B Tony Cuccinello

Pittsburgh:
P Rip Sewell

Portland:
2B Jack Saltzgaver
OF Gee Walker
SS Pep Young

Sacramento:
P Jim Turner
OF Johnny Moore

Saint Louis:
OF Estel Crabtree
OF Doc Cramer

Salt Lake City:
P Johnny Niggeling

San Francisco:
P Luke Hamlin

Washington:
C Ray Hayworth
OF Babe Herman

[SelzShoes]

I'm going to post the first Opening Day roster in a few moments. I'm throwing alot of information at you at once, so I need some feedback. Is it just too much for one post or is it fine the way it is? Thanks.

A quick color code for the reader:
Veteran/Non-Prospect Players
Prospects (#1=spot in prospect top 10)
Created Players
Removed from roster (Injury/release/retirement)

Color in the team information has no meaning; it is just supposed to look nicer.

[SirFozzie]

It's great, to me :)

[SelzShoes]

The easy thing to do would be declare that without the pestering influence of the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox will win the NAL East going away. The combination of Bobby Doerr and Ted Williams will drive in plenty of runs with Johnny Pesky running around the diamond. Point to Dom DiMaggio and Pete Fox acting in complement; you could get the average Joe on the street to believe you.

There are three spots in the line up, all key positions that could derail any momentum the offense could build.

In an ideal world, Dom DiMaggio would be hitting 2nd almost assuring Williams would be hitting with a man on. However, Jimmie Foxx is still trying to hit himself into shape. Tony Lupien in the two hole could mean wasted At Bats for Teddy. Pesky looks to be a great lead off man, but he is a rookie. Nothing can be counted on from him yet.

The bottom third of the line up will just halt anything the upper part can try and build. Maybe I'm wrong about Matt Batts and the other catchers in the system, but I don't think any of them can put up major league numbers. This is going to be one of those .220/8/35-combined lines from this crew. Jim Tabor could eventually show enough with the bat to be the regular guy there, but when the 39-year-old manager is best glove at the hot corner there are some problems even if Tabor hits.

The main thing the Red Sox have going for them is a young but experienced pitching staff. Ok, they are rushing Perkowski who I don't think is ready to face major league hitting. If he is going to be on the team, put him in relief to find his legs. Still, a very quality 3/4 of a rotation is here. Newsome could be the most valuable pitcher on the staff though. Cronin has designated Newsome as his relief ace, so all those important 7-8-9's are taken care of. Newsome is also expected to make a few starts, giving Cronin a fine pitcher to take the pressure off the regulars.

Beyond Newsome, the bullpen is thin. But if the rotation is as good as it can be, we might not see alot of them.

Red Sox have to be the favorites, but I don't believe they are that far ahead of Cleveland, the Giants, maybe even Pittsburgh. My gut tells me that they should be rolling in dough by mid-season and can get that Catcher or third baseman to drive them over the top.

National American League East: Boston Red Sox
General Manager: Eddie Collins (Payroll: $511,900)
Player Manager: Joe Cronin
Hitting Coach: Tom Carey
Pitching Coach: Tom Daly
Home Park: Fenway Park (Capacity: 35,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Matt Batts 24 C #3 5,000
Frankie Pytlak 37 C .284 7 271 14,900
Jimmie Foxx 38 1B .332 519 1849 76,000
Tony Lupien 28 1B .474 0 4 5,300
Bobby Doerr 27 2B .290 57 365 16,000
Preston Gomez 22 2B 5,000
Merl Combs 26 3B 5,000
Joe Cronin 39 3B .303 156 1342 58,400
Jim Tabor 29 3B .286 52 285 10,700
Johnny Pesky 26 SS 5,000
Dom DiMaggio 29 OF .290 16 104 8,400
Lou Finney 35 OF .288 26 376 5,000
Pete Fox 37 OF .302 59 524 7,500
Barney Olsen 26 OF .288 1 4 6,100
Ted Williams 27 OF .356 91 378 175,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Mel Deutsch 30 5,000
Joe Dobson 29 17-15 4.99 153 5,700
Mickey Harris 29 12-16 3.71 147 9,100
Tex Hughson 30 5- 3 4.13 22 5,900
Earl Johnson 26 10- 7 4.34 72 7,200
Dick Newsome 36 19-10 4.13 58 5,000
Harry Perkowski 23 #10 5,000
Charlie Wagner 33 17-12 4.13 91 9,700
Ed Weiland 31 0- 0 8.79 3 5,000
John Whitehead 36 49-54 4.59 254 9,700

Retired
Tom Carey 39 2B .275 2 166
Oscar Judd 38 0- 0 8.76 5
Hod Lisenbee 47 36-55 4.75 239
Mike Ryba 42 23-12 4.42 142
Allyn Stout 41 19-20 4.50 182

AAA Louisville Colonels
Stew Hofferth 33 C
Joe Just 30 C
Johnny Peacock 36 C .287 1 121 5,900
Paul Campbell 28 1B .000 0 0 6,000
Bob Repass 28 2B .333 0 1 5,000
Charlie Brewster 29 SS
Gil English 36 SS .256 7 83 5,000
Bill Ramsey 25 OF #8
Andy Gilbert 31 OF
Leon Culberson 26 OF
Dewey Adkins 27 P
Frank Fanovich 24 P
Bob Ferguson 26 P
Don Fisher 30 P
Bob Habenicht 20 P
Lynn Lovenguth 23 P #9
Mike Palm 21 P
Johnny Podgajny 25 10-15 4.33 65 5,400
Frank Seward 24 P

AA New Orleans Pelicans
Leslie Aulds 25 C
Walt Dropo 23 1B #2
Ernie Andres 28 3B
Johnny Tobin 25 3B #6
Catfish Metkovich 25 OF #5
Tom Wright 22 OF #4
Tal Abernathy 24 P
Glenn Elliott 26 P
Sam Lowry 26 P
Windy McCall 20 P
Al Widmar 21 P

A Scranton Red Sox
Billy Goodman 20 OF #1
George Wilson 20 OF #7

LINEUP VS RHP
L J. Pesky SS
L T. Lupien 1B
L T. Williams LF
R B. Doerr 2B
R D. DiMaggio CF
R P. Fox RF
R M. Batts C
L M. Combs 3B

LINEUP VS LHP
R J. Tabor 3B
L T. Lupien 1B
L T. Williams LF
R B. Doerr 2B
L J. Pesky SS
R B. Olsen CF
R M. Batts C
R P. Fox RF

Starting Rotation
R T. Hughson
L H. Perkowski
L M. Harris
R J. Dobson

Bullpen
R M. Deutsch
L E. Johnson
R C. Wagner
R E. Weiland
R J. Whitehead

Relief Ace
R D. Newsome

[SelzShoes]

How is this for a familiar song: the big money pitcher the Cubs acquired in the off-season was hurt in spring training, and isn't quite ready to start. Spud Chandler is healthy, he just needs to work into good shape. In the meantime, a former outfielder looks to be the ace of the staff.

Ok, it isn't as bad as that sounds. The should be able to run out a very consistent, but not overwhelming attack. Think a non-stop parade of singles and doubles. Nicholson and Novikoff are expected to provide some power, but Nicholson was lost in the spring. He'll get started as a pinch hitter trying to find his eye. Vaughan is probably undervalued in this line up, but should provide good run production. They have a decent bench, but I can not say with confidence this is a really good team. They do everything, except hit home runs, in a very average way--but nothing to really point to and say this is an offensive strength.

With Erickson hurt, and Chandler not ready, the staff is a little thinner than it should be. By the end of the month, half of the rotation is going to roll over so it is hard to judge how the pitching will effect the race. Right now, I don't really like the pitching, but I could like a healthy staff. Chapman, for an ex-outfielder, threw the ball well in spring training. He won the opening day start. He'll help himself with the bat.

For all of this team's flaws, and I think the more you look the more you find, they should not be counted out in the NAL West. With Cleveland being slotted into the East, there really is not a power team in this division. I could be any combonation of Milwaukee, Saint Louis, Detroit and Chicago fighting it out for the title. Gallagher can bring in just a couple players we could have a very happy City of Chicago. But if pitchers stay hurt and hitters can't hit, then it won't be a friendly summer at Wrigley.

National American League West: Chicago Cubs
General Manager: James Gallagher (Payroll: $469,100)
Manager: Charlie Grimm
Hitting Coach: Milt Stock
Pitching Coach: Roy Johnson
Home Park: Wrigley Field (Capacity: 38,396)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Clyde McCullough 29 C .223 9 54 5,800
Toby Atwell 22 C #3 5,000
Eddie Waitkus 26 1B .179 0 0 5,500
Don Johnson 34 2B 5,000
Stan Hack 36 3B .304 43 455 30,300
Bill Serena 21 3B #5 5,000
Bobby Sturgeon 26 SS .242 0 27 5,000
Arky Vaughan 34 SS .324 84 764 108,200
Cliff Aberson 24 OF #1 5,000
Phil Cavarretta 29 OF .275 32 290 10,600
Dom Dallessandro 32 OF .264 7 132 6,500
Peanuts Lowrey 28 OF 5,000
Bill Nicholson 31 OF .276 56 234 13,200
Lou Novikoff 30 OF .241 5 24 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Russ Bauers 31 29- 29 3.53 278 14,100
Spud Chandler 38 42- 20 3.77 187 85,000
Ben Chapman 37 Played 12 years as an OF 6,600
Emil Kush 29 0- 0 2.25 2 6,000
Bill Lee 36 123-101 3.45 772 22,000
Russ Meers 27 0- 1 1.13 5 6,200
Russ Meyer 22 5,000
Vern Olsen 28 24- 17 3.00 147 12,400
Claude Passeau 36 85- 92 3.59 662 21,000
Bob Rush 20 5,000

Retired
Ray Prim 39 3- 7 5.54 36

Injured
Paul Erickson 30 5- 7 3.70 85 5,700 OUT 2-3 Weeks

AAA Nashville Volunteers
Rube Novotney 21 C #9
Bob Scheffing 32 C .242 1 20 5,300
Heinz Becker 30 1B
Lou Stringer 28 2B .246 5 53 8,600
Rip Russell 31 3B .266 14 113 5,000
Lennie Merullo 28 SS .353 0 1 6,300
Charlie Gilbert 26 OF .259 2 20 6,000
Jack Graham 29 OF
Marv Rickert 25 OF
Stan Wentzel 29 OF
Bob Alexander 23 P
Vallie Eaves 34 4- 8 4.46 46 8,000
Ed Hanyzewski 25 P
Don Hendrickson 32 P
Harley Hisner 19 P
Paul LaPalme 22 P
Ray Moore 19 P
Mario Picone 19 P
Johnny Schmitz 25 2- 0 1.31 11 6,800
George Zuverink 21 P

AA Tulsa Oilers
Cliff Dapper 26 C
Cy Block 26 3B
Bubba Floyd 28 SS
Nick Goulish 28 OF
Hal Jeffcoat 21 OF #10
Don Carlsen 19 P
Warren Hacker 21 P
Tony Jacobs 20 P
John Mackinson 22 P
Bill Zinser 28 P

A Macon Peaches
Rube Walker 19 C #6
Danny Lynch 20 2B #2
Wayne Terwilliger 20 2B #7
Roy Smalley 19 SS #4
Bob Borkowski 20 OF #8
Claude Crocker 21 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
L E. Waitkus 1B
R C. McCullough C
L S. Hack 3B
L P. Cavarretta RF
L A. Vaughan SS
R P. Lowrey CF
R L. Novikoff LF
R D. Johnson 2B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R D. Johnson 2B
R B. Sturgeon SS
L S. Hack 3B
L P. Cavarretta RF
L E. Waitkus 1B
R L. Novikoff LF
L D. Dallessandro CF
L T. Atwell C

Starting Rotation
R B. Chapman
R B. Lee
R R. Bauers
L R. Meers

Bullpen
R S. Chandler
R E. Kush
R R. Meyer
L V. Olsen
R B. Rush

Relief Ace
R C. Passeau

[SelzShoes]

Remember the show Homefront? It was a 1-hour drama set in post-war Cleveland. Sort of a Dynasty for the struggling class. Well, one of the plot lines concerned an African-American joining the Indians--actually sucked me in for a few episodes because of that. I wish I had paid closer attention so I could pull some details for when writing about the Indians.

Regret is a theme with this Indian team. They let Bob Feller take Yankee money and overpay for Schoolboy Rowe--who now is out two months with an arm issue. It is almost like they have lost two starting pitchers. I'm not sold on the rest of the rotation. Mel Harder is near the end of his run and Bagby is still an unknown. I think the bullpen is passable, but not overpowering.

I really expected to love the Indian's roster, but I've got a lot of questions the more I look at it. I don't think they can expect much from the catching position. Les Fleming isn't the starter on a pennant winner. Bobby Avila is probably being rushed to the point of being overmatched. Keltner's back is, just like real life, causing problems for him. And of the outfielders, only Jeff Heath has proven he can hit major league pitching. I don't think Boudreau is great enough of a hitter to make up for all that.

For a club that is supposed to contend--I think they could win the West--there is a lot of youth. I think, financially, they will regret playing in League Park this season. I think another regret will be the lack of depth. If everyone succeeds, then all is happy for the Tribe. But we all know, not everyone succeeds.

National American League East Cleveland Indians
General Manager: Roger Peckinpaugh (Payroll: $387,700)
Manager: Lou Boudreau
Hitting Coach: Ski Melillo
Pitching Coach: George Susce
Home Park: League Park (Capacity: 21,414)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Jim Hegan 25 C #8 .319 1 5 6,200
Sherm Lollar 21 C #5 5,000
Les Fleming 30 1B .083 0 3 6,400
Bobby Avila 21 2B #6 5,000
Burgess Whitehead 35 2B .268 17 240 14,800
Bert Hodge 28 3B 5,000
Ken Keltner 29 3B .281 77 372 14,100
Ray Boone 22 SS #2 5,000
Lou Boudreau 28 SS .274 19 176 32,400
Rusty Peters 31 SS .240 6 68 6,400
Jim Carlin 28 OF .143 1 2 5,300
Fabian Gaffke 32 OF .244 7 39 5,000
Jeff Heath 31 OF .305 74 370 16,100
Oris Hockett 36 OF .315 1 10 6,700
Dale Mitchell 24 OF #4 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Jim Bagby 29 39- 47 4.65 218 8,500
Chubby Dean 29 17- 30 5.68 120 5,000
Red Embree 28 0- 1 6.75 4 5,700
Mel Harder 36 176-140 3.87 928 42,100
Joe Heving 45 61- 41 4.24 335 16,100
Joe Krakauskas 31 24- 31 4.45 325 10,200
Al Milnar 32 48- 44 4.00 295 12,100
Whitey Moore 33 30- 28 3.74 227 6,000
Bert Shepard 25 5,000
Al Smith 38 60- 54 3.98 371 13,700

Injured
Cal Dorsett 32 0- 1 10.22 5 6,400
Schoolboy Rowe 36 104- 62 4.04 655 52,600

Retired
George Susce 38 C .224 2 18

AAA Oklahoma City Indians
Tony DePhillips 33 C
Roy Easterwood 33 C
Buck Etchison 31 1B
Buddy Hassett 34 1B .293 7 295 5,000
Bill Nagel 30 1B .237 12 100 5,000
Eddie Robinson 25 1B #3
Jack Conway 26 2B .500 0 1 6,100
Ray Mack 29 2B .247 22 121 6,700
Ted Sepkowski 22 3B #10
Hank Edwards 27 OF .221 1 6 5,300
Roy Weatherly 31 OF .296 31 212 5,000
Woody Wheaton 31 OF
Don Black 29 P
Scott Cary 22 P
Charlie Fuchs 33 P
Ned Garver 20 P
Len Gilmore 28 P
Steve Gromek 26 1- 1 4.24 19 5,800
Bob Kuzava 22 P
Bill Lefebvre 30 P
Bob Lemon 25 Played 1 season as a 3B 6,000
Dick Manville 19 P
Pat McGlothin 25 P
Otho Nicholas 37 P

AA Wilkes-Barre Barons
Gene Markland 26 2B
Pat Seerey 23 OF
Charlie Cuellar 28 P
Paul Hinrichs 20 P

A Harrisburg Senators
Dick Aylward 20 C
Hank Ruszkowski 20 C #9
Milt Nielsen 21 OF
Gene Woodling 23 OF #1
Art Schallock 21 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R L. Boudreau SS
L D. Mitchell CF
L J. Heath LF
L L. Fleming 1B
R B. Avila 2B
R J. Hegan C
R J. Carlin RF
L B. Hodge 3B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R R. Peters SS
R S. Lollar C
L L. Fleming 1B
R B. Avila 2B
L D. Mitchell CF
R F. Gaffke LF
R J. Carlin RF
L B. Hodge 3B

Starting Rotation
R M. Harder
L A. Smith
L C. Dean
R J. Bagby Jr

Bullpen
R J. Heving
L J. Krakauskas
R W. Moore
L A. Milnar
L B. Shepard

Relief Ace
R R. Embree

[SelzShoes]

The question the Tigers are posing to the baseball world is this: Can you win with only two starters? Well, in real life we'd had Spahn and Sain in rhyme if not reality. Could Newhouser and Trout be what it is all about?

When I saw how bad the Tigers spring training numbers was I thought it was an aberration. Some start must have had a stat nightmare with everyone else pitching decent. The opposite was true: Trout and Newhouser were some dominating it saved the pitching from looking even worse. The pitching could be scary bad.

But I can't count them out because if someone else in the rotation or staff figures it out, they could run off a strong set of wins.

Like Cleveland, the Tigers have a whole bunch of kids on the roster. The Tigers kids are readier--if that is a word--and are playing in a weaker division. But beyond the strength of youth lay ugly secrets. It is well beyond the time they can count on anything from Charlie Gehringer. The back up plan in Dallas is Dutch Meyer? I like two of the options at short (Hitchcock and Lipon) but Franklin is starting as the "veteran." What I think will happen: Gehringer either retires or is released, Franklin moves to second with Lipon playing everyday. Outfield shows promise offensively and is young enough to get better over the course of the season.

What I really don't like about the Kitties is the defense. This could be a brutal summer for the pitchers. If you are going to try and ride two guys to a title, at least catch the ball.

Why won't the Tigers win the West? Over the course of the season there is a high probability of needing a second basemen and a third baseman plus at least one starting pitcher. Do you see the resources to acquire said players? Neither do I. The Tigers will make a nice run to about the halfway point when the strain on Prince Hal and Dizzy will get too much and this club will just wilt on the vine. San Francisco will save them from last, whatever that's worth.


National American League West--Detroit Tigers
President: Walter Briggs, Sr. (Payroll: $363,100)
Manager/Hitting Coach: Del Baker
Pitching Coach: Tommy Bridges
Home Park: Briggs Stadium (Capacity: 52,416)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Greek George 33 C .180 0 13 8,200
Birdie Tebbetts 33 C .272 14 191 11,600
Rudy York 32 1B .295 148 543 16,600
Charlie Gehringer 42 2B .321 183 1420 63,300
Pinky Higgins 36 3B .298 110 800 11,900
Moe Franklin 32 SS .300 0 0 5,000
Billy Hitchcock 29 SS 5,000
Johnny Lipon 23 SS #6 5,000
Hoot Evers 25 OF #4 .000 0 0 5,800
Ned Harris 29 OF .213 1 4 5,000
Barney McCosky 28 OF .325 11 170 8,100
Rip Radcliff 40 OF .315 41 503 5,000
Dick Wakefield 24 OF #2 .143 0 0 5,900
Vic Wertz 21 OF #1 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Nate Andrews 32 1- 3 6.18 16 8,200
Al Benton 35 42- 40 4.44 313 12,300
Tommy Bridges 39 171-123 3.71 1430 41,700
Johnny Gorsica 31 16- 18 4.40 127 9,000
Ira Hutchinson 35 23- 23 3.56 153 11,300
Hal Manders 28 1- 0 2.35 7 6,100
Hal Newhouser 24 18- 21 4.83 199 7,300
John Perkovich 22 5,000
Ernie Rudolph 37 5,000
Dizzy Trout 30 21- 26 3.87 224 12,100

Retired
Clint Brown 42 88- 92 4.25 406

Injured
Jake Thies 20 P Class A Pitcher

AAA Dallas Rebels
Chico Hernandez 30 C
Al Montgomery 25 C #10 .192 0 4 5,200
Hank Riebe 24 C
Don Hanski 30 1B
Herman Reich 28 1B
Dutch Meyer 30 2B .209 1 20 7,100
Jim Bucher 35 3B .267 13 151 6,800
Eric McNair 36 SS .277 81 625 5,000
Red Roberts 27 SS
Paul Busby 27 OF .313 0 2 5,000
Eddie Collins 29 OF .242 0 12 5,000
Pat Mullin 28 OF .339 5 23 6,900
Bob Patrick 28 OF .286 0 0 5,000
Jim Tyack 34 OF
Ralph Brickner 20 P
Tommy Byrne 26 P
Ted Gray 21 P
Wally Holborow 32 P
Art Houtteman 18 P #9
Johnny Johnson 31 P
Vic Lombardi 23 P
Billy Pierce 18 P
Woody Rich 30 5- 3 4.87 36 6,300
Virgil Trucks 28 0- 0 9.00 3 6,000
Hal White 27 0- 0 6.00 2 6,000

AA Williamsport Grays
Joe Stephenson 24 C
Sal Madrid 25 SS
Rugger Ardizoia 26 P
Frank Dasso 28 P
Johnny Gray 19 P
Phil McCullough 28 P

A Lubbock Hubbers
Joe Ginsberg 19 C #7
Johnny Bero 23 SS #5
Neil Berry 24 SS #8
Johnny Groth 19 OF #3

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
L N. Harris RF
L C. Gehringer 2B
R R. York 1B
L D. Wakefield LF
R H. Evers CF
R P. Higgins 3B
R M. Franklin SS
R G. George C

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
L C. Gehringer 2B
R B. Tebbetts C
R R. York 1B
L D. Wakefield LF
L B. McCosky CF
R M. Franklin SS
L R. Radcliff RF
R B. Hitchcock 3B

Starting Rotation
L H. Newhouser
R D. Trout
R A. Benton
R T. Bridges

Bullpen
R N. Andrews
R J. Gorsica
R H. Manders
R J. Perkovich
R E. Rudolph

Relief Ace
R I. Hutchinson

[SelzShoes]

What is it with Chicago Baseball clubs trying to move outfielders to third base? Keith Moreland, Kenny Williams, Andy Pafko--and now Bob Kennedy. I know, the Lancers are no longer in Chicago, but they are still the White Sox at this point. If wunderkind (can you say that in just ended WWII America?) Buzzie Bavasi had been allowed by President Frick to pursue Rowe, Mize and Wyse to complement DiMaggio I would feel confident in predicting great things for this club.

The DiMaggio signing put aside, there really is a bare cupboard here. Ol' Aches and Pains will run out of steam at some point in the season, I fear. In Wrigley Field (West), I think for as long as Appling is getting on base, Joe will have monster numbers; but the moment Luke starts slipping Joe will slump too.

Depth is lacking on this club too. The number 1 back up in center and right is the 33-year old rookie starting left fielder. With Kennedy at third, we basically only have 3 usable outfielders. Jake Jones also has no adequate back up. Ted Lyons is hoping to get 150 games out of Jake Jones.

The smaller park of Wrigley will help the power numbers of everyone, but the pitching will also be that much worse. Ted Lyons gives the Lancers an extra hurler. But a 45-year old spot starter might be worse than no pitcher at all. I don't see anyone I can point to on this staff and say-that's the ace, that's the guy who will carry this team.

Right now the Lancers are kind of like Detroit. They have the potential to have a competitive first half and then just fall to pieces in the second half. This is a club that is willing to spend some money--I would not put it past Bing and Buzzie to move anything of value in the minors for a bat or arm to make a push for the west title. No better than a middle of the pack squad if there is not some serious mid-season remodeling.

National American League West: Los Angeles Lancers
General Manager: Buzzie Bavasi (Payroll: 559,600)
Hitting Coach: Mule Haas
Pitching Coach: Red Faber
Manager: Ted Lyons
Home Park: Wrigley Field (Capacity: 20,457)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Mike Tresh 32 C .265 1 137 8,400
Tom Turner 29 C .225 0 14 5,000
Jake Jones #4 25 1B .000 0 0 5,600
Al Campanis 29 2B 5,000
Don Gutteridge 33 2B .268 29 230 5,900
Don Kolloway 27 2B .266 3 27 5,000
Cass Michaels #1 20 2B 5,000
Luke Appling 38 SS .316 24 751 40,500
Augie Bergamo 29 OF 5,000
Guy Curtright 33 OF 5,000
Joe DiMaggio 31 OF .345 198 816 200,000
Bob Kennedy 25 OF .239 4 82 5,000
Moose Solters 40 OF .293 82 591 8,600
Taffy Wright 34 OF .327 21 314 10,200

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Bill Dietrich 36 58- 73 5.06 413 8,000
Van Fletcher 21 5,000
Loy Hanning 28 0- 1 3.60 8 5,000
Joe Haynes 28 11- 18 5.48 105 5,000
Thornton Lee 39 86- 74 3.65 633 31,000
Ted Lyons 45 245-220 3.75 1013 56,200
Barney Mussill 26 5,000
Johnny Rigney 31 53- 53 3.66 501 18,700
Eddie Smith 32 45- 65 3.78 464 16,600
Ray Starr 39 4- 5 3.40 34 7,500
Al Verdel #5 24 5,000

Retired
Pete Appleton 41 55- 65 4.33 393
Freddie Fitzsimmons 44 214-142 3.47 858

AAA Little Rock Travelers
George Dickey 30 C .135 2 9 7,000
Hank Helf 32 C .071 1 1 6,800
Joe Kuhel 39 1B .285 112 803 6,700
Vince Shupe #9 24 1B
Ben Geraghty 33 2B .194 0 9 5,000
Skeeter Webb 36 2B .244 3 63 5,200
Dario Lodigiani 29 3B .259 16 128 7,600
Jackie Price 33 SS
Tony York 33 SS
Jim Delsing #2 20 OF
Tom Hafey 32 OF .242 6 26 5,000
Dave Philley #3 25 OF .222 0 0 5,900
George Staller 30 OF
Bob Cain 21 P
Dave Ferriss #7 24 P
Jim Goodwin 19 P
Orval Grove 26 0- 0 6.92 6 7,000
Howie Judson 20 P
Jim Konstanty 29 P
Andy Lapihuska 23 P
Pat McLaughlin 35 0- 2 6.82 8 5,600
Ribs Raney 23 P

AA Shreveport Sports
Mickey Grasso #6 25 C
Tom Jordan 26 C
Leo Wells 28 3B
Fred Hancock 26 SS
Bud Sketchley 27 OF
John Andre 23 P
Slim Emmerich 26 P
Pete Gebrian 22 P
Jim Hughes 23 P
Mike Schultz 25 P

A Greenville Spinners
Gene Crumling 23 C
Steve Lembo #8 19 C
Billy Bowers #10 24 OF

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R L. Appling SS
R B. Kennedy 3B
R J. DiMaggio CF
L T. Wright RF
R G. Curtright LF
R J. Jones 1B
R M. Tresh C
R D. Gutteridge 2B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
L T. Wright RF
R D. Kolloway 2B
R J. DiMaggio CF
R L. Appling SS
R G. Curtright LF
R B. Kennedy 3B
R J. Jones 1B
R T. Turner C

Starting Rotation
R R. Starr
R J. Rigney
L E. Smith
R J. Haynes

Bullpen
R V. Fletcher
R L. Hanning
L T. Lee
L B. Mussill
R A. Verdel

Relief Ace
R B. Dietrich

[SelzShoes]

The Braves are flush with money and have a good set of prospects in the minors. The City hopes to have a new facility constructed to accommodate over 40,000 people. The future is very bright for Lou Perini's club. The present isn't as bright however.

Weak with flashes of talent describes the major league roster. Eddie Mayo did show some great slap hitting skills in the spring. But at 35 it is more than he has ever shown the ability to do. Masi could be a decent major league catcher, but rookie Ralph Houk won the job in Florida. I just don't know where the runs will come from until Tommy Holmes and company comes up from Indy.

I think the pitching could be a bright spot for the Braves. Mostly control guys, but the defense will be good enough to handle the extra balls in play. I would like to see Bickford in the rotation with Spahn and Tobin, but the slotting of the pitchers is fine for now. While I think the pitching should be better than average, it will not be good enough to overcome the offense.

There is a lot of promise in the minors. Some of the better players should come up later in the year when veterans get moved to contenders. Look for this club to build this year and next, and be prepared for a title run in 1948.

National American League West: Milwaukee Braves
General Manager: Harry Grabiner (Payroll: 248,000)
Manager: Billy Southworth
Hitting Coach: Jake Flowers
Pitching Coach: Johnny Cooney
Home Park: Borchert Field (Capacity: 20,911)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ralph Houk 26 C 5,000
Phil Masi 30 C .222 5 46 6,200
Buddy Gremp 26 1B .238 0 12 5,000
Earl Torgeson #1 22 1B 5,000
Eddie Mayo 35 2B .214 3 30 6,200
Nanny Fernandez 27 3B 5,000
Eddie Miller 29 SS .254 24 183 15,100
Glen Stewart 33 SS .138 0 0 5,000
Whitey Wietelmann 27 SS .175 0 6 7,200
Johnny Cooney 45 OF .292 2 208 13,300
Frank Demaree 35 OF .304 69 552 12,200
Debs Garms 37 OF .299 17 283 10,400
Carden Gillenwater 27 OF .160 0 5 5,500
Max West 29 OF .265 48 285 9,700

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Vern Bickford #7 25 5,000
Bobby Coombs 38 0- 1 7.47 8 5,000
Tom Earley 29 10-12 3.10 72 9,300
Johnny Hutchings 29 3- 7 3.92 59 6,600
Bill Posedel 39 39-43 4.45 218 5,000
Manny Salvo 32 21-35 3.90 196 5,000
Fred Sanford 26 5,000
Warren Spahn #5 24 5,000
Junior Thompson 28 35-20 3.42 236 10,400
Jim Tobin 33 48-39 3.54 240 13,100

AAA Indianapolis Indians
Charlie Marshall 26 C .000 0 0 5,000
Hack Miller 33 C
Dewey Williams 30 C
Ellis Clary 29 2B
Frank Drews 29 2B
Skippy Roberge 28 3B .216 0 15 5,500
Sibby Sisti 25 3B .250 8 90 5,000
Bill Bruton #4 20 OF
Clint Conatser #2 24 OF
Tommy Holmes 29 OF
Chet Ross 29 OF .271 17 93 7,500
Bama Rowell 30 OF .280 10 124 7,400
Hub Andrews 23 P
Mel Bosser 32 P
Dick Errickson 34 33-41 3.74 152 5,000
Marion Fricano #9 22 P
Tom Hurd 21 P
Al Javery 27 12-15 4.72 96 5,000
Bill Kennedy 27 P
Frank Lamanna 26 6- 4 5.23 26 5,000
Morrie Martin 23 P
Red Munger 27 P
Marlin Stuart 27 P
Ace Williams 29 0- 0 16.00 5 6,000

AA Hartford Bees
William Metzig 27 2B
Pete Elko 27 3B
Bob Addis #6 20 OF
George Estock 21 P
Wayne McLeland 21 P

A Evansville Braves
Bob Brady #8 23 C
Paul Burris #10 22 C
Alvin Dark #3 24 SS
Larry Drake 24 OF
Joe Smaza 22 OF
Joe Szekely 21 OF
Jack Banta 20 P
Clem Labine 19 P
Ray Shore 24 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R C. Gillenwater CF
L D. Garms RF
R N. Fernandez 3B
R R. Houk C
L E. Mayo 2B
R G. Stewart SS
L M. West LF
R B. Gremp 1B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R C. Gillenwater CF
L D. Garms RF
R N. Fernandez 3B
L E. Mayo 2B
R R. Houk C
S W. Wietelmann SS
L M. West LF
R B. Gremp 1B

Starting Rotation
R M. Salvo
R F. Sanford
L W. Spahn
R J. Tobin

Bullpen
R J. Hutchings
R J. Thompson
R B. Coombs
R T. Earley
R B. Posedel

Relief Ace
R V. Bickford

[SelzShoes]

There are a alot of creeky old veterans on this club. However, it is almost if Mel Ott is subscribing to the "Myth of Obi Wan Kenobe" with this club. Hemsley, Jurges, Bartell and Ott aren't going to play much, just "teach" the 30-somethings starting "how to win" or some such nonsense.

Now that plan would work, if we didn't have one of the oldest teams in any of the 3 leagues. Is this a one-season charge for glory or the beginning of an organizational collapse? I fear it is closer to the latter than the former. The line up--apart from the Kerr-Mize-Gordon trio--can not be described as threatening. Passable at times, but nothing that the better pitchers in the league can't get through. And the bench, because of all the useless veterans, won't be worth any help at all.

The pitching is much like the line up; a couple of solid arms (Koslo-Melton-Schumacher) surrounded by question marks. For trying to become "THE" team of New York, the Giants forgot to build a team that can win. This is a pitching staff that, if everyone does better than thought, could be pretty average. When that is the best you can do, you need different arms.

There are a few kids in the minors that could help this club in a few years. Right now, the only thing that can make this club a contender is to blow it up. The Mize signing will be very short sighted, as he puts up MVP type numbers for a bottom tier team. The Phillies and Senators should keep this club artificially around .500, but don't be fooled. The amount of turn over next season will be unreal.

National American League East: New York Giants
General Manager: Chub Feeney (Payroll: $460,000)
Manager: Mel Ott
Hitting Coach: Dick Bartell
Pitching Coach: Grover Hartley
Home Park: Polo Grounds (Capacity: 55,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Harry Danning 34 C .286 56 363 16,200
Rollie Hemsley 38 C .267 27 471 16,400
Johnny Mize 33 1B .336 158 653 88,500
Babe Young 30 1B .277 45 219 9,100
Oscar Grimes 30 2B .250 8 82 6,600
Mickey Witek 30 2B .275 4 47 8,400
Dick Bartell 38 3B .286 69 658 44,400
Billy Jurges 37 SS .263 32 531 28,500
Buddy Kerr 23 SS #7 5,000
Morrie Arnovich 35 OF .287 22 261 13,200
Johnny Dickshot 36 OF .249 3 43 6,200
Sid Gordon 28 OF .258 0 4 5,900
Buster Maynard 33 OF .276 1 2 6,000
Mel Ott 37 OF .311 415 1555 74,000
Johnny Rucker 29 OF .290 5 65 5,200

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Ace Adams 34 4- 1 4.82 18 5,200
Bill Crouch 35 7- 5 3.48 51 5,700
Al Epperly 27 2- 0 3.67 10 5,000
Rube Fischer 29 1- 0 2.45 9 5,100
George Hennessey 38 0- 1 10.29 4 5,000
Dave Koslo 26 1- 2 1.90 12 6,500
Cliff Melton 34 64- 60 3.53 529 12,100
Hal Schumacher 35 142-104 3.36 809 31,500
Mack Stewart 31 5,000
Johnnie Wittig 31 5- 10 5.60 65 5,000

Retired
Carl Hubbell 42 238-142 2.89 1585

AAA Jersey City Giants
Otto Denning 33 C
Frank Croucher 31 2B .249 7 81 5,000
George Hausmann 30 2B
Len Schulte 29 2B
Vic Bradford 31 OF
Frank Doljack 38 OF .273 9 85 5,100
Whitey Lockman 19 OF #2
Willard Marshall 25 OF #1
Bob Carpenter 28 13- 6 3.61 67 6,700
Cookie Cuccurullo 28 P
Harry Feldman 26 1- 1 3.98 9 5,900
Andy Hansen 21 P
Stan Klopp 35 P
Dale Matthewson 22 P
Mel Parnell 23 P
Floyd Speer 33 P
Red Webb 21 P
Hoyt Wilhelm 23 P #3
Chink Zachary 28 P

AA Jacksonville Tars
Jim Gladd 23 C
Bob Scherbarth 20 C
Joe Lafata 24 1B #9
Pat Capri 27 2B
Jack Lohrke 22 3B #4
Lloyd Gearhart 22 OF #6
John Fick 24 P
Barney Martin 23 P #10
Earl Mossor 20 P
Johnny Van Cuyk 24 P

A Trenton Giants
Bobby Hofman 20 C #5
Sal Yvars 22 C #8
Dick Lajeskie 20 2B
Hal Bamberger 21 OF
Bill Rodgers 23 OF
Lee Pfund 27 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R B. Kerr SS
L J. Rucker CF
L J. Mize 1B
R S. Gordon LF
R H. Danning C
R M. Witek 3B
R O. Grimes 2B
R B. Maynard RF

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R B. Kerr SS
L J. Rucker CF
L J. Mize 1B
R S. Gordon 3B
R H. Danning C
R M. Witek 2B
R J. Dickshot LF
L M. Ott RF

Starting Rotation
L C. Melton
L D. Koslo
R H. Schumacher
R G. Hennessey

Bullpen
R A. Adams
R B. Crouch
R A. Epperly
R R. Fischer
R M. Stewart

Relief Ace
R J. Wittig

[SelzShoes]

If not for a spring training injury, the Phillies would have 5 of thier top 10 prospects in the major league. This is a club that is going cheap--it is not clear if there is a plan to win in place however. Reluctant manager Chuck Klein shows he is willing to have his personal record tarnished for the good of the Phillies.

Albright, Ennis and Northey will all be in the everyday line up. So many guys are being paid the miniumum it gives the kids a chance to carry this club. But serious gaps in this line up exist. Jimmy Outlaw is playing centerfield for example. But this club will be overwhelmed by major league pitching. As bad as the offense is, the pitching could be even worse.

The only thing positive with the pitching is Robin Roberts could be a good one. Roberts will start the season as the relief ace, but should be starting before too long. Otherwise, 37-year old Cy Blanton might be the ace of the staff; and that's no ace at all.

There really isn't anything exciting or interesting about the Phillies. They'll lose 105 or so games and get really young. I could see a total of 8 or 9 of the top ten prospects getting the call to Shibe Park. Again, if losing with kids was the plan, then this is ok--but I get the feeling Cox isn't building for the future, but just being cheap.

National American League East: Philadelphia Phillies
President: William Cox (Payroll: $222,100)
Manager: Chuck Klein
Hitting Coach: Benny Bengough
Pitching Coach: Cy Perkins
Home Park: Shibe Park (Capacity: 33,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Mickey Livingston 31 C .213 0 19 6,100
George Pfister 27 C .000 0 0 5,900
Nick Etten 32 1B .294 17 119 8,700
Roy Zimmerman 29 1B 5,000
Danny Murtaugh 28 2B .219 0 11 5,000
Pinky May 35 3B .282 3 149 11,200
Jimmy Outlaw 33 3B .268 0 16 6,800
Jack Albright 24 SS #7 5,000
Bill Burich 27 SS 5,000
Ed Busch 28 SS 5,000
Del Ennis 20 OF #3 5,000
Ralph Hodgin 30 OF .208 0 4 5,400
Chuck Klein 41 OF .321 300 1198 24,900
Danny Litwhiler 29 OF .313 23 83 10,080
Ron Northey 25 OF #2 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Boom-Boom Beck 41 29- 61 4.44 285 5,400
Cy Blanton 37 68- 67 3.51 596 14,200
Charlie Cozart 26 5,000
Bill Harman 27 0- 0 4.85 3 5,900
Jim Hearn 24 5,000
Tommy Hughes 26 9- 14 4.45 59 5,000
Johnny Kucab 26 5,000
Ike Pearson 29 9- 41 4.92 110 5,000
Robin Roberts 19 #8 5,000
Tommy Warren 28 5,000

Injured
Mike Goliat 20 2B #6

Retired
Pepper Martin 42 OF .298 57 497
Si Johnson 39 73-130 4.28 646

AAA Utica Blue Sox
Bennie Warren 34 C .229 22 76 7.900
Harry Marnie 27 2B .229 0 15 5,000
Johnny Blatnik 25 OF #9
Harry Fisher 20 P
Lou Grasmick 21 P
Bob Hall 22 P
Lefty Hoerst 28 4- 10 5.20 36 5,200
Gordie Mueller 23 P
Hugh Mulcahy 32 42- 82 4.51 298 5,500
Lou Possehl 19 P
Bob Schultz 22 P

AA Terre Haute Phillies
Earl Turner 22 C #10
Mike Ulisney 28 C
Ray Hoffman 28 3B
Jake Eisenhart 23 P
Rogelio Martinez 27 P
Dick Koecher 20 P
Bob Miller 19 P
Al Porto 19 P
Bob Spicer 20 P

A Wilmington Blue Rocks
Stan Lopata 20 C #1
Neal Watlington 23 C
Bill Glynn 20 1B
Mike Schemer 28 1B
Garvin Hamner 22 2B
Don Hasenmayer 18 3B
Willie Jones 20 3B #4
Granny Hamner 18 SS #5
Mel Clark 19 OF
Stan Hollmig 20 OF
Jackie Mayo 20 OF
Fred Baczewski 19 P
Dave Jolly 21 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
L N. Etten 1B
R J. Outlaw CF
R D. Ennis LF
L R. Northey RF
R P. May 3B
R M. Livingston C
R J. Albright SS
R D. Murtaugh 2B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R J. Outlaw CF
L R. Zimmerman 1B
R D. Ennis LF
L R. Northey RF
R P. May 3B
R E. Busch SS
R D. Murtaugh 2B
R G. Pfister C

Starting Rotation
R T. Hughes
R C. Blanton
R J. Hearn
L T. Warren

Bullpen
R B. Beck
L C. Cozart
R B. Harman
R J. Kucab
R I. Pearson

Relief Ace
R R. Roberts

[SelzShoes]

So much looks right for this club, and yet, there are just some nagging doubts in my head. The Bucs could be a player for the east half of the pennant.

First what are the strengths of this team? The outfield is probably number 1 on the list. The three rookies (Kiner, Russell and Wyrostek) will eventually push Bob Elliott to 3rd. This gang of four will get the motor running for the offense. Add in Billy Cox and Elbie Fletcher, and runs should not be a problem for this team. Even catcher, which they have 3 "too old" guys, won't be that much of a drain. One of the vets not hitting, there is another to take his place. I'm not fond of the bench, but the frontline talent should score runs pretty easily.

The Bucs did go veteran with the pitching staff. I think this is where most of my doubts come from. Yes it is nice to know what to expect from a pitcher, but history shows you can't expect too much from this staff. When a guy who retired could have been the ace that shows a serious lack of depth.

The two biggest worries though are not players, but the President and Manager. Benswanger is looking to sell the club so any long-term plans in place could be tossed out mid-season. Lack of direction kills franchises quicker than anything. Manager Frankie Frisch has a very hands off approach to running a club. That could work with a most veteran club, which the Buccos have, but with 3 rookies being relied on deliver for the team, that could be a dangerous decision.

I would not be surprised if the Pirates win the east title. The pitching will have to be shored up some, and a better bench is needed. This is at the worst, a first division club. It should be a good season at the confluence of the Ohio, Allegany and Monongahela.

Pittsburgh Pirates
President: William Benswanger (Payroll: $293,200)
Manager: Frankie Frisch
Hitting Coach: Del Bissonette
Pitching Coach: Spud Davis
Home Park: Forbes Field (Capacity: 35,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Bill Baker 35 C .219 0 13 7,000
Spud Davis 41 C .309 75 627 24,800
Al Lopez 37 C .265 47 509 20,800
Elbie Fletcher 30 1B .272 47 350 13,400
Frankie Gustine 26 2B .270 2 104 7,300
Ted Cieslak 29 3B 5,000
Lee Handley 32 3B .274 13 190 7,900
Eddie Pellagrini 28 3B 5,000
Billy Cox 26 SS .270 0 2 6,300
Vince DiMaggio 33 OF .256 67 286 14,000
Bob Elliott 29 OF .288 11 159 9,000
Ralph Kiner 23 OF #1 5,000
Jim Russell 27 OF 5,000
Johnny Wyrostek 26 OF 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Bill Brandt 31 0- 1 3.86 0 5,000
Guy Bush 44 176-136 3.85 849 23,800
Max Butcher 35 57- 71 4.28 311 5,000
Johnny Gee 30 1- 4 4.67 18 6,400
Hank Gornicki 35 1- 0 3.38 8 6,000
Ken Heintzelman 30 21- 20 4.00 175 9,200
Johnny Lanning 35 44- 46 3.61 237 11,000
Lou Polli 44 0- 0 5.40 5 5,000
Nick Strincevich 31 5- 10 5.58 67 5,000
Lefty Wilkie 31 2- 4 4.56 16 5,600

Retired
Rip Sewell 38 40- 32 3.73 224

AAA Birmingham Barons
Ed Fitz Gerald 21 C #2
Bill Salkeld 29 C
Vinnie Smith 30 C .303 0 5 5,800
Ed Leip 35 2B .274 0 5 5,000
Ken Richardson 30 2B
Fred Vaughn 27 2B
Alf Anderson 32 SS .215 1 10 5,000
Vic Barnhart 23 SS #9
Johnny Barrett 30 OF
Culley Rikard 31 OF .200 0 0 5,900
Bud Stewart 29 OF .267 0 10 5,100
Maurice Van Robays 31 OF .280 17 210 6,500
Ab Wright 40 OF .237 2 18 5,000
Ed Albosta 27 0- 2 6.23 5 5,500
Luis Aloma 22 P
Jay Avrea 25 P
Charlie Bishop 22 P
Bill Clemensen 26 1- 1 5.58 17 6,900
Dutch Dietz 34 7- 3 2.80 30 5,000
Lee Howard 22 P #8
Chet Kehn 24 P
Carl Lindquist 26 P
Bryan Stephens 25 P

AA Albany Senators
Pete Castiglione 25 3B #6
Ted Beard 25 OF #3
Frank Colman 28 OF
Al Gionfriddo 24 OF #4
Ben Guintini 26 OF
Jack Cassini 26 P
Hilly Flitcraft 22 P
Duke Markell 22 P
Bob Milliken 19 P
Jack Niemes 26 P
Murray Wall 19 P #10

A York White Roses
Roy Jarvis 19 C #7
Monty Basgall 24 2B #5

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R B. Elliott RF
R B. Cox SS
S J. Russell LF
R R. Kiner CF
L E. Fletcher 1B
R F. Gustine 2B
R A. Lopez C
R L. Handley 3B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R B. Cox SS
R L. Handley 3B
L J. Wyrostek RF
S J. Russell LF
L E. Fletcher 1B
R F. Gustine 2B
R A. Lopez C
R V. DiMaggio CF

Starting Rotation
L J. Gee
R N. Strincevich
R G. Bush
R J. Lanning

Bullpen
R B. Brandt
R H. Gornicki
L K. Heintzelman
R L. Polli
L L. Wilkie

Relief Ace
R M. Butcher

[SelzShoes]

Ok, they have gone a little prospect happy with the major league roster. But if they kids are as good as these seem to be, there is no reason to not play them. Clearly the best team out west; the only question is how close the race will be.

Tremendous depth all around. If Garagiola can't cut it at catcher, Walker Cooper is at Rochester. If Coaker Triplett isn't a good enough leftfielder, Harry the Hat Walker is also at AAA. When your issues with the roster are about the 5th infielder and last outfielder, you are in pretty good shape. Musial will provide Williams with a direct challenge for hitting supremacy. This is a very good team.

And the pitching is just a deep. Kretlow may be an odd choice for the number one, but Luke Sewell believes in hot streaks, and Kretlow was the hottest pitcher in spring training. Howie Pollet and Harry Gumbert could probably start for most teams. Deep staff, I don't see a long losing streak in them.

Well, here is the favorite out west. Relying on so many kids might not be the best strategy. Then again, there is little risk with these guys. Nice depth at the major league and minor league level--this is a team that should clinch early and start shaping the roster to face the East winner.

National American League West: Saint Louis Cardinals
President: Gabe Paul (Payroll: $287,200)
Manager: Luke Sewell
Hitting Coach: Buzzy Wares
Pitching Coach: Mike Gonzalez
Home Park: Sportsman's Park (Capacity: 34,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Joe Garagiola #3 20 C 5,000
Gus Mancuso 40 C .276 50 473 24,800
Luke Sewell 45 C .259 20 696 10,700
Johnny Hopp 29 1B .296 5 66 8,100
Stan Musial #1 25 1B .426 1 7 6,400
Solly Hemus #2 22 2B 5,000
Red Schoendienst#7 23 2B 5,000
Eddie Kazak 25 3B 5,000
Whitey Kurowski 27 3B .333 0 2 6,000
Creepy Crespi 28 SS .273 4 53 5,000
Marty Marion 28 SS .264 6 104 5,700
Erv Dusak #8 25 OF .143 0 3 6,000
Terry Moore 33 OF .284 60 373 17,600
Enos Slaughter 29 OF .305 50 293 13,700
Coaker Triplett 34 OF .281 3 23 6,300

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Mort Cooper 33 38-28 3.56 354 10,900
Murry Dickson 29 0- 0 5.06 2 7,000
Tom Gorman 21 5,000
Harry Gumbert 36 79-60 3.86 432 15,700
Lou Kretlow 24 5,000
Howie Krist 30 13- 1 4.03 43 7,400
Max Lanier 30 21-18 3.12 170 12,600
Bill Moisan 20 5,000
Howie Pollet 24 5- 2 1.93 37 7,500
Ernie White 29 18- 8 2.56 132 10,400

Retired
Estel Crabtree 42 OF .282 11 103
Doc Cramer 40 OF .302 25 599

AAA Rochester Red Wings
Walker Cooper 31 C .251 1 22 6,900
Del Rice 23 C #10
Ray Sanders 29 1B
Tommy Glaviano 22 3B #5
Dave Bartosch 29 OF
Chuck Diering 23 OF #6
Buck Frierson 28 OF .273 0 2 5,000
Bill Howerton 24 OF #4
Walter Sessi 27 OF .000 0 0 5,600
Harry Walker 29 OF .214 0 7 6,700
Johnny Beazley 27 1- 0 1.00 4 6,300
Jack Bruner 21 P
Pete Center 33 P
Mitch Chetkovich 28 P
Mike Clark 24 P
Tom Clyde 22 P
Howie Fox 25 P
Johnny Grodzicki 29 2- 1 1.35 10 6,800
Red Kress 39 0- 0 12.71 5 5,100
Bill McCahan 24 P
Tex Shirley 27 0- 1 2.45 1 6,200

AA Houston Buffaloes
Lou Klein 27 2B
Ty LaForest 28 3B
Jeff Cross 27 SS
Cal Cooper 23 P
Vince Gonzales 20 P
Kurt Krieger 19 P
Charlie Osgood 19 P
Harry Taylor 26 P

A Columbus Cardinals
Johnny Bucha 21 C
Rocky Nelson 21 1B #9
Nippy Jones 20 2B
Bobby Young 21 3B
George Bamberger 20 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
S R. Schoendienst 2B
R C. Triplett LF
L S. Musial 1B
L E. Slaughter RF
R W. Kurowski 3B
R M. Marion SS
R T. Moore CF
R G. Mancuso C

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
S R. Schoendienst 2B
R C. Triplett LF
R W. Kurowski 3B
L E. Slaughter RF
L J. Hopp 1B
R M. Marion SS
R T. Moore CF
R L. Sewell C


Starting Rotation
R L. Kretlow
R M. Dickson
R M. Cooper
L M. Lanier

Bullpen
R T. Gorman
R H. Gumbert
R H. Krist
R B. Moisan
L E. White

Relief Ace
L H. Pollet

[SelzShoes]

There are going to be growing pains, but right now, its one ugly baby. In the PCL, I think the Seals could be a decent middle of the pack team. In the NAL, they are at least the worst team in the West and could give the Phils a run for the money for the very bottom.

Stan Spence is the best thing on a very weak offense. Very little power and even worse strike zone judgment. I don't think the Seals will score a large number of runs. They are starting the season with 5 top prospects on the opening day roster. Only Zak isn't figuring to start much at this time. There is a little depth at AAA, but it would be better if the first options work.

The pitching is inexperienced, but should post ok numbers. Maybe it is more accurate to say, Bevens and Sain are good building blocks and the rest of the staff isn't terrible. But the lack of offense will make pitching by the bay a losing proposition for a long while.

This is one of the few predictions I feel comfortable in making: The Seals will finish last. About halfway through the season the Seals owners and fans will look at their situation and look at the PCL and wonder if it was all worth it.

National American League West: San Francisco Seals
General Manger: Ed Walsh Jr (Payroll: $216,100)
Manager: Lefty O'Doul
Hitting Coach: Smead Jolly
Pitching Coach: Luke Hamlin
Home Park: Seals Stadium (Capacity: 22,900)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Nelson Burbrink 24 C #8 5,000
Joe Schultz 27 C .231 0 6 7,500
Dick Sisler 25 1B #4 5,000
Jimmy Wasdell 31 1B .270 11 126 5,000
Ralph LaPointe 24 2B #10 5,000
Don Lang 31 3B .260 1 11 6,100
George Myatt 31 3B .278 3 13 7,700
Boyd Perry 32 SS .181 0 11 5,000
Frankie Zak 24 SS #1 5,000
Jim Mallory 27 OF .167 0 0 5,000
Marv Rackley 24 OF 5,000
Bill Renna 21 OF #2 5,000
Stan Spence 31 OF .244 4 41 5,100
Goody Rosen 33 OF .277 5 69 8,600

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Woody Abernathy 31 5,000
Bill Bevens 29 5,000
Paul Calvert 28 5,000
Sandy Consuegra 25 5,000
Paul Dean 32 50-34 3.72 386 11,400
Jack Hallett 31 6- 6 6.09 34 5,000
Clayton Lambert 29 5,000
Johnny Sain 28 5,000
Bill Swift 38 95-80 3.56 608 17,000
Jug Thesenga 31 5,000

Retired
Luke Hamlin 41 63-60 3.75 467

AAA Saint Paul Saints
Billy Holm 33 C
Tony Parisse 34 C
Ebba St.Claire 24 C #3
Hal Spindel 32 C .269 0 11 5,400
Johnny McCarthy 36 1B .272 21 163 7,600
Steve Shemo 30 2B
John Davis 30 3B .214 0 5 5,000
Don Savage 27 3B
Claude Corbitt 30 SS
Dick Culler 31 SS .237 0 1 5,300
Frank Jelincich 28 OF .125 1 1 5,000
Johnny Welaj 31 OF .254 4 59 5,000
Jesse Flores 31 P
Don Grate 22 P
Earl Harrist 26 P
Earl Henry 28 P
George Jeffcoat 32 6- 9 4.68 76 5,000
Lyman Linde 25 P
Dutch McCall 25 P
Jim Mertz 29 P
Al Papai 28 P
Steve Roser 28 P
Tom Seats 35 2- 2 4.69 25 5,000
Charlie Sproull 27 P
Sandy Ullrich 24 P

AA Fort Worth Cats
Red Durrett 25 OF #9
Pete Laydon 26 OF
Larry Miggins 20 OF
Clarence Beers 27 P
Eli Hodkey 28 P
Jack Phillips 26 P

A Augusta Tigers
Jerry McCarthy 22 1B
Dick Cole 19 2B #6
Bob Rothel 22 3B #5
Rudy Rufer 19 SS
Joe Tepsic 22 OF #7

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
L G. Myatt 3B
R J. Mallory CF
L G. Rosen RF
R N. Burbrink C
L J. Wasdell 1B
R R. LaPointe 2B
R B. Perry SS
R B. Renna LF

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
L M. Rackley LF
L G. Myatt SS
L S. Spence CF
L G. Rosen RF
R D. Lang 3B
R N. Burbrink C
L D. Sisler 1B
R R. LaPointe 2B

Starting Rotation
R B. Bevens
R J. Sain
R S. Consuegra
R J. Hallett

Bullpen
R P. Calvert
R P. Dean
R C. Lambert
R B. Swift
R J. Thesenga

Relief Ace
L W. Abernathy

[SelzShoes]

You want my sleeper pick? The team that I think will probably go nowhere, but has the best chance for a "miracle Braves" run? The Washington Senators.

Their home park will deflate the home run numbers, but these guys are smart hitters. Mickey Vernon and Buddy Lewis are quality major leaguers. Yost, when he gets the chance to play, will always be on base. They should be able to cobble a good line from the three-headed catcher. And Cecil Travis and George Case aren't through either. This offense will be much better than most people think.

And I love the pitching. Wynn-Hudson-Carrasquel is better than any trio in the East (except Boston's) and Dutch Leonard is the perfect relief ace for this club. Did I say I loved the pitching--I love those four guys, the rest not so much. But, that is more than the Tigers are going to try and win with. They do need at least 2 more guys to step up and fill out the staff some. But they have something here. I see a couple guys that could be moved down the road to make the club stronger (Bloodworth and Haas).

So best case scenario the Sens win the East! But reality is more along the lines of a 4-5 finish. I like what I see here, but I don't know if it is ready to win.

National American League East: Washington Senators
President: Clark Griffith (Payroll: $275,700)
Manager: Bucky Harris
Hitting Coach: Clyde Milan
Pitching Coach: Nick Altrock
Home Park: Griffith Stadium (Capacity: 32,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Jake Early 30 C .274 15 82 8,800
Al Evans 29 C .288 1 27 8,400
Norm Schlueter 29 C .230 0 15 5,000
Bert Haas 32 1B .400 0 2 7,100
Mickey Vernon 27 1B .282 10 123 5,000
Jimmy Bloodworth 28 2B .255 22 184 11,700
Al Kozar 24 2B #3 5,000
Cecil Travis 32 SS .327 25 581 28,800
Bobby Rhawn 27 3B 5,000
Eddie Yost 19 3B #1 5,000
George Case 30 OF .291 11 195 7,600
Gil Coan 23 OF #9 5,000
Buddy Lewis 29 OF .304 53 449 17,100
Gene Moore 36 OF .277 45 289 18,200

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Jack Brittin 22 5,000
Alex Carrasquel 33 17-13 4.32 90 8,000
Jim Davis 21 5,000
Sid Hudson 31 30-30 4.02 204 7,800
Jerry Lane 20 5,000
Dutch Leonard 37 82-78 3.48 484 23,200
Prince Oana 38 1 season as OF 5,000
Johnny Rutherford 20 #6 5,000
Bill Trotter 37 19-31 5.20 145 5,700
Early Wynn 26 3- 3 2.98 16 7,800

Retired
Ray Hayworth 42 C .266 5 238
Babe Herman 42 OF .325 180 988

AAA Chattanooga Lookouts
Benny Culp 32 C
Red Hayworth 30 C
Jack Sanford 28 1B .205 0 10 5,400
Heinie Heltzel 32 3B
Sherry Robertson 27 3B .194 0 0 6,900
Jimmy Pofahl 28 SS .227 2 42 5,000
George Binks 29 OF
Max Marshall 32 OF
Red Marion 32 OF .182 1 1 5,000
Roberto Ortiz 30 OF .329 1 17 5,800
Loren Bain 23 P
Jorge Comellas 29 P
Ross Grimsley 23 P
Lloyd Hittle 22 P #7
Bert Kuczynski 26 P
Royce Lint 25 P
Walt Masterson 25 9-18 5.36 120 5,000
Spec Shea 25 P
Dick Strahs 22 P
Lefty Wallace 24 P
Les Willis 38 P
Bill Zuber 33 10- 9 5.56 98 7,200

AA Pensacola Fliers
Billy Reed 23 2B #10
Strick Shofner 26 3B
John Sullivan 25 SS #4
Ray Goolsby 26 OF
Bill Bonness 22 P
Ramon Garcia 22 P
Clint Hartung 23 P
Bill Pierro 19 P
Frank Wurm 21 P #2

A Charlotte Hornets
Jay Difani 22 2B
Cal Ermer 22 2B
John Simmons 21 OF #5
Junior Wooten 22 OF #8

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R A. Kozar 2B
L C. Travis SS
L M. Vernon 1B
L B. Lewis RF
R B. Haas CF
R A. Evans C
L G. Coan LF
R B. Rhawn 3B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R G. Case LF
R J. Bloodworth 2B
L M. Vernon 1B
L B. Lewis RF
L C. Travis SS
R A. Evans C
R B. Rhawn 3B
L G. Moore CF

Starting Rotation
R E. Wynn
R S. Hudson
R A. Carrasquel
R J. Rutherford

Bullpen
R J. Brittin
L J. Davis
R J. Lane
R P. Oana
R B. Trotter

Relief Ace
R D. Leonard

[SelzShoes]

Bold moves best describes what George Herman Ruth is doing with this team. Previously I thought this was, at best, a fourth place club. Now, I'm thinking the Babe might be ready to work some magic in Baltimore.

"All they do is get on base, you can't ask for more than that," is how the great Bambino describes his offense. A young, line drive, never strike out offense is in the hands of the most legendary slugger the game has ever known. And how does he plan on running the club? Not sit back and wait for the 3-run home run, but by playing old fashion baseball. Stealing, hit and run, and the lost art of bunting. Outside Chapman and Johnson there is little power, but this team should always have men in scoring position.

Ruth is also gambling with the pitching. The choice for the last starter was down to Herm Besse, Negro Winston Lafayette and rookie Bobby Shantz. Ruth went with the rookie to start the season. There are some very good arms on the staff. I don't know if the pitching is good enough to win games when the bats slump, but they should be good enough to allow the A's to hang around.

I don't think the A's can beat the three power clubs. Brooklyn, the Yankees and Kansas City all have too much talent for this to be a fair fight. Baltimore has a great young corps and if they can develop some pitching, this could be a contender for years to come.

Continental League: Baltimore Athletics
General Manager: Jimmy Dykes (Payroll: $249,626)
Manager: Babe Ruth
Hitting Coach: Earle Brucker Sr
Pitching Coach: Dave Keefe
Home Park: Babe Ruth Stadium (Capacity: 31,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Frankie Hayes 31 C .278 85 406 10,700
Hal Wagner 30 C .228 1 33 9,700
Ferris Fain 24 1B #1 5,000
Buck O'Neill 35 1B 7,800
Gene Handley 31 2B 5,000
Emil Verban 30 2B 5,000
George Kell 23 3B #2 5,000
Billy DeMars 20 SS #5 5,000
Pete Suder 29 SS .245 4 52 5,000
Eddie Carnett 29 OF .000 0 0 5,000
Sam Chapman 29 OF .284 80 308 11,700
Bob Johnson 40 OF .299 239 960 38,000
Dee Miles 37 OF .291 2 111 5,000
Elmer Valo 25 OF .397 2 6 7,500

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Herman Besse 34 2- 3 9.17 27 5,000
John Burrows 32 5,000
Ken Chase 32 44-67 4.26 453 7,800
Lum Harris 31 4- 4 4.78 49 5,600
Jack Knott 39 80-92 4.93 451 7,900
Winston Lafayette 26 5,000
Max Manning 28 10,026
Phil Marchildon 32 10-17 3.74 78 7,800
Bobby Shantz 20 5,000
Roger Wolff 34 0- 2 3.18 2 6,200

Retired
Bill Beckmann 38 20-24 4.75 95

AAA Toronto Maple Leafs
John Douglas 28 1B
Kerby Farrell 32 1B
Dick Siebert 34 1B .298 16 233 7,800
Crash Davis 26 2B .238 0 17 5,000
Don Richmond 26 3B .200 0 5 5,300
Ed Wheeler 30 3B
Al Brancato 26 SS .218 4 80 5,000
Jake Caulfield 28 SS
Jack Wallaesa 26 SS .150 0 2 5,800
Gene Bearden 25 P
Lou Brissie 21 P
Norm Brown 27 P
Joe Coleman 23 P
Dick Fowler 25 1- 2 3.38 8 5,100
Lou Lucier 28 P
Baby Ortiz 26 P
Bob Savage 24 P
Harry Schaeffer 21 P #10
Porter Vaughan 26 2-11 5.83 52 5,300
Bill Webb 32 P

AA Savannah Indians
George Armstrong 21 C #3
Joe Astroth 23 C #7
Dick Adams 25 1B
Bruce Konopka 26 1B
Irv Hall 27 2B
Earl Naylor 26 OF
Al Corwin 19 P
Lee Griffeth 20 P
Ernest Groth 23 P
Alex Kellner 21 P
Turk Lown 21 P
Carl Scheib 19 P

A Lancaster Red Roses
Earle Brucker 20 C #9
George Yankowski 23 C
Hank Biasatti 24 1B #8
Bob Wellman 20 1B #4
Nick Picciuto 24 3B
Vern Benson 21 OF #6
Bubba Harris 20 P
Duane Pillette 23 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
L D. Miles CF
L H. Wagner C
L E. Valo RF
R B. Johnson LF
R G. Kell 3B
L F. Fain 1B
R P. Suder SS
R G. Handley 2B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R E. Verban 2B
R G. Kell 3B
L E. Valo RF
R S. Chapman LF
R B. O'Neill 1B
L H. Wagner C
R P. Suder SS
L D. Miles CF

Starting Rotation
L K. Chase
R P. Marchildon
R R. Wolff
L B. Shantz

Bullpen
L H. Besse
L J. Burrows
R L. Harris
R J. Knott
R M. Manning

Relief Ace
R W. Lafayette

[SelzShoes]

When Dixie Walker announced he wouldn't play with blacks, Leo Durocher did what any manager would do with his best hitter; he sent Walker to Montreal. It is clear The Peoples Cherce will be traded, but to whom? Durocher would love to ship Dixie to Salt Lake City as punishment, but the Yankees could really use Walker in center.

The Walker situation has put a strain on the outfield. If any of the combo of Abrams/Galan/Medwick/Reiser gets hurt (or in the case of Galan/Medwick, gets old) I don't think there is anything ready at Montreal to help out. Walker will have to be moved for someone(s) who can provide some depth. All in all, it is a solid line up and gives pitchers little room to breathe.

Leo anchors his rotation with 3 top shelf vets, and will use the 4th slot to work in some younger arms. Chipman, Branca and Newcombe could all have turns in the rotation before it is all over. Hugh Casey assures a lock down bullpen. Probably the most complete pitching staff we've run into so far.

The Dodgers figure to be part of the three-team fight for first in the CL. It all depends on how the decided to spend the Dixie chip. If they can get enough value from Salt Lake, then Walker will go to the PCL. But if the Yankees are the only one who can really match what the Dodgers are looking for, then I don't know what Brooklyn does. Walker could have a change of heart and decide to play with blacks--but I doubt it. A definite contender, but not quite the favorite.

Contential League: Brooklyn Dodgers
General Manager: Burt Shotton (Payroll: $395,400)
Manager: Leo Durocher
Hitting Coach: Red Corriden
Pitching Coach: Chuck Dressen
Home Park: Ebbets Field (Capacity: 32,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Mickey Owen 29 C .251 8 162 8,400
Don Padgett 34 C .292 34 277 9,200
Dolph Camilli 38 1B .285 205 779 23,800
Ed Stevens 21 1B #10 5,000
Billy Herman 36 2B .308 40 618 47,000
Alex Kampouris 33 2B .246 43 264 14,700
Cookie Lavagetto 33 3B .272 34 448 8,200
Minnie Minoso 23 3B #3 5,000
Lew Riggs 35 3B .262 25 249 14,500
Leo Durocher 40 SS .247 24 564 6,600
Pee Wee Reese 27 SS .244 7 74 5,800
Cal Abrams 22 OF #5 5,000
Augie Galan 33 OF .276 59 439 15,200
Joe Medwick 34 OF .332 180 1047 42,400
Pete Reiser 27 OF .329 17 96 11,400

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Johnny Allen 40 122-58 3.78 948 23,000
Ralph Branca 20 5,000
Hugh Casey 32 40-29 3.43 203 12,500
Bob Chipman 27 1- 0 0.00 3 5,400
Curt Davis 42 113-91 3.54 489 32,000
Kirby Higbe 30 49-43 3.79 359 9,200
Newt Kimball 31 7- 2 3.75 45 6,400
Cal McLish 20 5,000
Don Newcombe 19 5,000
Whit Wyatt 38 71-70 3.99 674 19,800

AAA Montreal Royals
Bill Conroy 31 C .212 0 3 5,500
Herb Crompton 34 C .333 0 0 5,000
Bruce Edwards 22 C #8
Stan Rojek 26 SS
Carl Furillo 24 OF #4
Jess Pike 30 OF
Dixie Walker 35 OF .299 52 401 16,600
Dale Alderson 28 P
Rex Barney 21 P
Jack Crimian 20 P
Otis Davis 25 P
Harry Dorish 24 P
Hal Gregg 24 P
Phil Haugstad 22 P
Clyde King 21 P

AA Mobile Bears
Ferrell Anderson 28 C
Babe Martin 29 C
Chuck Connors 24 1B
Howie Schultz 23 1B
Eddie Basinski 23 2B
Tommy Brown 18 SS
Joe Buzas 26 SS
Gene Hermanski 25 OF #6
Duke Snider 19 OF #1
Carl Erskine 19 P
Red Hardy 23 P
Paul Minner 22 P
Erv Palica 18 P
Bud Podbielan 22 P
Ken Polivka 25 P

A Danville Dodgers
Gil Hodges 21 3B #2
Eddie Miksis 19 3B
Don Lund 22 OF #9
George Shuba 21 OF #7
John Hall 22 P
Ray Martin 21 P
Elmer Sexauer 19 P
Roy Wise 20 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
L P. Reiser CF
L C. Abrams RF
R P. Reese SS
L E. Stevens 1B
R B. Herman 2B
R M. Owen C
R J. Medwick LF
L L. Riggs 3B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R B. Herman 2B
L C. Abrams RF
R M. Minoso 3B
L P. Reiser CF
R P. Reese SS
L E. Stevens 1B
R M. Owen C
R J. Medwick LF

Starting Rotation
R W. Wyatt
R J. Allen
R K. Higbe
L B. Chipman

R R. Branca
R C. Davis
R N. Kimball
R C. McLish
R D. Newcombe

Relief Ace
R H. Casey

[SelzShoes]

Is it possible that with the shut down of major league baseball, it has become harder to scout the talent? With probably the lowest payroll in baseball, the Bison may show they are smarter than any other organization. How else can you explain the best record in spring training?

I don't want to oversell the Bison, but this could be a good offense. Could be--but with a bunch of ifs. If Harmon gets on enough to lead off; if Waner can slap hit .320 with any kind of power; if Roy Cullenbine and Gus Zernial can keep up the torrid home run pace of the spring; if Dee Fondy and Tom Hamilton really are major league hitters now, and, most importantly, if Buddy Blattner is really the all-world hitter he showed in spring. Too many ifs. They have to get at least 4 right to have a fighting chance.

The pitching is in the same place as the hitters: are they really this good? Sima and Ostermueller dominated in spring and Mooty was almost as good. Nels Potter should fit right in as the relief ace. I don't know if this will be an elite staff, but they have the chance to be at least above average.

Did I mention they are young? The youngest team in all of baseball. So even if they don't put it together this season, well they should be there in 1947 or 1948. Best case, they could finish 3rd, shocking one of the expected power trio of KC-NY-BRO. More likely, I don't think 5th place is out of the question.

Contential League: Buffalo Bison
General Manager: Leslie O'Connor (Payroll: $211,400)
Manager: Jewel Ens
Hitting Coach: Joe Judge
Pitching Coach: Bubber Jonnard
Home Park: Offerman Stadium (Capacity: 24,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Charlie Fox 24 C #5 5,000
Len Okrie 22 C #10 5,000
Dee Fondy 21 1B #6 5,000
Tom Hamilton 20 1B 5,000
Buddy Blattner 26 2B 5,000
Chuck Harmon 21 3B 5,000
Bob Maier 30 3B 5,000
Pete Coscarat 32 SS .240 13 112 5,000
Wally Flager 24 SS #4 5,000
Roy Cullenbine 32 OF .273 23 170 9,400
Joe Vosmik 35 OF .308 65 865 14,700
Graham Walker 21 OF #2 5,000
Lloyd Waner 40 OF .319 27 584 17,300
Gus Zernial 22 OF #3 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Ed Bahr 26 5,000
Achilles Brown 19 #1 5,000
Art Johnson 29 7-16 3.76 71 5,000
George Dockins 28 5,000
Bob Katz 35 5,000
Jake Mooty 32 14-18 3.83 109 6,900
Fritz Ostermueller 38 59-68 4.38 442 19,700
Nels Potter 34 22-39 5.81 189 5,000
Mel Queen 28 5,000
Al Sima 24 5,000

Retired
Gene Desautels 38 C .237 3 146

AAA Atlanta Crackers
Clyde Kluttz 28 C
John Leovich 27 C .500 0 0 5,000
Ducky Detweiler 27 3B
Pat Ankenman 33 SS .000 0 0 5,000
Garton Del Savio 32 SS
Bill Burgo 26 OF
Chuck Hostetler 42 OF
Felix Mackiewicz 28 OF .286 0 0 5,900
Hub Walker 39 OF .267 5 59 6,900
Lou Bevil 23 P
Hal Brown 21 P
Arnold Carter 28 P
Rex Cecil 29 P
Jack Creel 29 P
Stan Ferens 31 P
Ray Hathaway 29 P
Hersh Lyons 30 0- 0 0.00 1 5,000
Sid Schacht 28 P
Owen Scheetz 32 P
Lefty Scott 30 P
Lefty Sloat 27 P

AA Charleston Rebels
Jackie Sullivan 28 2B
Bobby Wilkins 23 SS #9
Danny Gardella 26 OF
Red Adams 24 P
Leo Cristante 19 P
Chris Haughey 20 P
Bobo Holloman 21 P
Max Surkont 23 P
Dizzy Sutherland 23 P
George Woodend 28 P

A El Paso Texans
Joe Erautt 24 C
Ed Mickelson 19 1B
Ed Lyons 22 2B
Fred Marsh 22 2B #7
Leo Thomas 22 3B
Frank Whitman 21 SS
George Lerchen 23 OF #8
Bob Thorpe 19 OF

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R C. Harmon 3B
L L. Waner CF
S R. Cullenbine RF
R G. Zernial LF
R B. Blattner 2B
L D. Fondy 1B
L W. Flager SS
R C. Fox C

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R B. Maier 3B
L L. Waner CF
S R. Cullenbine RF
R G. Zernial LF
R B. Blattner 2B
L W. Flager SS
L T. Hamilton 1B
R L. Okrie C

Starting Rotation
L A. Sima
L F. Ostermueller
R E. Bahr
R J. Mooty

Bullpen
L A. Brown
L G. Dockins
L A. Johnson
R B. Katz
R M. Queen

Relief Ace
R N. Potter

[SelzShoes]

Another club that is folding in some young talent. But it is the veteran pitching that could hold the key to the Reds future.

The offense could be fine. Grady Hatton will be a star, maybe not this season, but soon. The inability of Buck Leonard, the only Negro to make the roster after Willie Wells' release, to seize the starting first base job is worrisome. Age may be betraying the slugger. While the players have some major league experience, they mostly haven't shown the ability to warrant the playing time given. Ultimately, the runs will be too sporadic to really matter.

Pitching could be a hidden jewel. There are several veterans who were the backbone of the 1939 and 1940 World Series teams. That was five years ago, and these guys are starting to get up in age. Derringer and Walters may be through. And Blackwell might not have the disciple to be the relief ace; this could be a rough start to his career. Kind of like the offense, I think the elements are there for something good; it just isn't there right now.

I'm not as down on the Reds as Red Barber; last place will be very hard to do with the 3 expansion teams. But I do think the Reds are the worse of the established clubs in the CL. And they may even be worse than Buffalo. Another team that has a lot to look forward to, but this first year back will be a rough one.

Contential League: Cincinnati Reds
General Manager: Warren Giles
Manager: Bill McKechnie
Hitting Coach: Gee Walker
Pitching Coach: Hank Gowdy
Home Park: Crosley Field (Capacity: 20,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ray Lamanno 26 C .000 0 0 6,000
Johnny Riddle 40 C .260 0 9 8,900
Buck Leonard 38 1B 22,800
Frank McCormick 34 1B .310 59 472 11,100
Bobby Adams 24 2B #4 5,000
Lonny Frey 35 2B .273 53 432 21,200
Benny Zientara 28 2B .286 0 2 6,100
Grady Hatton 23 3B #2 5,000
Huck Geary 29 SS 5,000
Jim Gleeson 34 OF .264 16 152 5,000
Ival Goodman 37 OF .282 91 449 17,700
Ernie Koy 36 OF .285 32 234 5,000
Eddie Lukon 25 OF #7 .267 0 3 5,800
Hank Sauer 29 OF .303 0 5 6,100

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Joe Beggs 35 19- 8 3.56 52 11,000
Ewell Blackwell 23 #6 5,000
Joe Bowman 35 54- 73 4.43 378 10,200
Paul Derringer 39 180-163 3.44 1209 24,700
Ralph McCabe 27 5,000
Vic Raschi 27 5,000
Elmer Riddle 31 20- 6 2.18 89 12,300
Johnny Vander Meer 31 42- 38 3.43 522 12,300
Ben Wade 23 5,000
Bucky Walters 36 117- 95 3.43 674 31,600

Injured
Mike McCormick 28 OF .294 5 61 6,700
Herm Wehmeier 19 P

Released
Willie Wells 37 SS

AAA Syracuse Chiefs
Bill DeKoning 27 C
Dick West 30 C .236 2 27 5,000
Eddie Shokes 26 1B .000 0 0 6,000
Moon Mullen 29 2B
Roy Schalk 37 2B .250 0 0 5,000
Chuck Aleno 29 3B .243 1 18 5,000
Eddie Joost 29 SS .238 5 79 7,900
Bobby Mattick 30 SS .234 0 64 5,000
Frank Baumholtz 27 OF
Harry Craft 30 OF .258 44 261 5,000
Bob Barthelson 21 P
Ben Cardoni 25 P
Bobby Herrera 19 P
Johnny Hetki 23 P
Bill Reeder 24 P


AA Columbia Reds
Al Lakeman 27 C
Johnny Pramesa 20 C #5
Lonnie Goldstein 27 1B
Dain Clay 26 OF
Garland Lawing 26 OF
Woody Crowson 27 P
Jim Hickey 25 P
Buddy Lively 21 P
Dave Madison 25 P
Joe Nuxhall 17 P
Charlie Ripple 24 P

A Ogden Reds
Jim McDonnell 23 C #10
Ted Kluszewski 21 1B #1
Bob Usher 21 OF #8
Clyde Vollmer 24 OF #3
Jim Blackburn 21 P
George Burpo 23 P #9
John Carden 24 P
Eddie Erautt 21 P
Kent Peterson 20 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R B. Zientara 2B
R E. Koy CF
L G. Hatton 3B
L E. Lukon LF
R F. McCormick 1B
S J. Gleeson RF
R J. Riddle C
L H. Geary SS

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R E. Koy CF
R H. Sauer LF
L G. Hatton 3B
R F. McCormick 1B
R B. Zientara 2B
L H. Geary SS
L I. Goodman RF
R R. Lamanno C

Starting Rotation
R J. Beggs
L J. Vander Meer
R V. Raschi
R P. Derringer

Bullpen
R J. Bowman
R R. McCabe
R E. Riddle
R B. Wade
R B. Walters

Relief Ace
R E. Blackwell

[SelzShoes]

Further proof that pitching is not, as the old saying goes, 75% of the game. If that were so, the Clippers would have a chance for a decent season. The question about the Clips is not if they will lose 100, but will they lose 110.

When 40-year old Martin Dihigo is your best offensive weapon, there is something seriously wrong with your club. Both catchers are on the wrong side of 44! We could see deadball era power from this squad--50 home runs would be an achievement. I just don't see any runs in that roster.

Now I do like the pitching, as far as it goes. At both Memphis and Major Leagues there is a collection of arms that any contender would love to have. I can see any number of the veteran arms being sent all over the CL and PCL picking up prospects.

Lose big, but move bodies for prospects. That looks to be the plan of the Clippers. My only concern is can major league baseball survive in Columbus long enough for the plan to take root.

Continental League: Columbus Clippers
General Manager: Frank Lane (Payroll: $253,200)
Manager: Harold Anderson
Hitting Coach: Bing Miller
Pitching Coach: Red Smith
Home Park: Franklin County Stadium (Capacity: 25,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Merv Shea 45 C .219 4 114 9,800
Al Todd 44 C .278 35 365 9,000
Joe Orengo 31 1B .258 11 81 11,200
Rance Pless 20 1B #9 5,000
Martin Dihigo 40 2B 29,200
Nap Reyes 26 3B 5,000
Snuffy Stirnweiss 27 3B 5,000
Billy Werber 37 3B .277 77 526 19,100
Gene Mauch 20 SS #7 5,000
Ed Boland 37 OF .247 0 9 5,000
Myril Hoag 38 OF .280 25 330 5,000
Lee Riley 39 OF 5,000
Russ Sullivan 23 OF #1 5,000
Thurman Tucker 28 OF 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Marv Breuer 31 17- 16 4.35 148 5,000
Clem Dreisewerd 30 5,000
Tom Ferrick 31 8- 10 3.77 30 7,200
Art Herring 40 16- 25 4.78 150 10,600
Al Hollingsworth 38 34- 67 4.28 374 7,300
Archie McKain 34 25- 20 4.27 182 13,500
Bobo Newsom 38 133-122 4.25 1308 25,700
Jack Salveson 32 4- 6 4.48 50 6,700
Dan Bankhead 25 5,000
Butch Wensloff 30 5,000

AAA Memphis Chickasaws
Herman Franks 32 C .185 2 28 7,900
Bob Finley 30 C
Eddie Malone 25 C #3
John Antonelli 30 1B
Hank Sweeney 30 1B
Al Glossop 31 2B .221 8 25 7,300
Red Borom 29 2B
Joe Burns 29 3B
Johnny Hudson 33 3B .244 4 96 5,000
Dick Kimble 30 SS
Tony Criscola 30 OF
Russ Derry 29 OF
Earl Rapp 24 OF
Walter Brown 30 P
George Caster 38 48- 80 4.97 421 8,400
Hardin Cathey 26 P
Jess Dobernic 28 0- 1 13.50 1 5,300
Blix Donnelly 32 P
Joe Hatten 29 P
Les McCrabb 31 10- 15 5.32 55 5,000
Earl Reid 32 p
Walter Signer 35 P
Ted Wilks 30 P
Pete Wojey 26 P
Pinky Woods 30 P

AA Providence Chiefs
Dixie Howell 25 C
Gus Niarhos 25 C #4
Lou Rochelli 27 2B
Hal Peck 28 OF
Vern Curtis 25 P
Bobby Hogue 24 P
Bob Hooper 23 P
Owen Hunter 22 P #2
Bob Porterfield 22 P #8
Saul Rogovin 22 P #10

A Watertown Athletics
Hank Workman 20 1B
Fred Hatfield 21 2B
Leon Brinkopf 19 SS
Buddy Peterson 20 SS #6
Ed White 19 OF #5

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
L E. Boland RF
R R. Pless 1B
R M. Dihigo 2B
R N. Reyes 3B
L T. Tucker CF
R G. Mauch SS
R M. Shea C
L L. Riley LF

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R B. Werber 3B
L E. Boland RF
R M. Dihigo 2B
L T. Tucker CF
L R. Sullivan LF
R J. Orengo 1B
R G. Mauch SS
R M. Shea C

Starting Rotation
R B. Wensloff
R M. Breuer
R B. Newsom
R D. Bankhead

Bullpen
L C. Dreisewerd
R T. Ferrick
L A. Hollingsworth
L A. McKain
R J. Salveson

Relief Ace
R A. Herring

[SelzShoes]

Well here is the grand experiment. Never mind that only 2 of the Negro Leaguers figure to start on opening day; whatever success or failure the Blues have will be on all their backs. The Blues are also integrating their AAA Toledo club with Artie Wilson.

One of the most explosive offenses in any league. Lots of power from all over the diamond, they can build a lead in a hurry. Will run too, just too many attacks for the opposition to defense. But, all of this assumes Salazar, Dandridge, Robinson and Irvin hit like All-Stars. If they are just average or worse, then the Blues are in trouble. They do have a surplus of what the Yankees need though: Third Basemen. It would be interesting to see if they could deal in a tight race.

Paige elevates the staff all by himself. I really don't have any complaints with Aucker and Galehouse following Satchel; they are decent enough to not lose games. Leon Day will start the year as the relief ace; I shudder to think how many strikeouts he will rack up in those late innings. It will not be fair. Outside of Muncrief, the rest of the pen is garbage. I don't know if there is enough pitching right now. Still, could they move Vern Stephens if he hits for an arm?

This could be the beginning of a powerhouse club; but we just can't be sure until the season starts. I think Third Place is a pretty good pick for this club. They may be much better than the Dodgers and Yankees, but only time will tell.

Contential League: Kansas City Blues
General Manager: Branch Rickey (Payroll: $340,563)
Manager: Clyde Sukeforth
Hitting Coach: Fred Hofmann
Pitching Coach: Zack Taylor
Home Park: Municipal Stadium (Capacity: 30,296)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Mike Guerra 33 C .000 0 0 5,900
Clyde Sukeforth 44 C .262 2 95 9,600
Bob Swift 31 C .248 0 60 5,000
George McQuinn 35 1B .299 66 353 10,600
Lazaro Salazar 34 1B 29,600
Johnny Berardino 28 2B .262 26 232 6,000
Ray Dandridge 32 3B 15,375
Alan Strange 39 3B .221 1 84 5,000
Jackie Robinson 27 SS 15,000
Vern Stephens 25 #1 SS .500 0 0 6,000
Willard Brown 30 OF 5,309
Joe Grace 32 OF .296 14 111 7,200
Monte Irvin 27 OF 23,891
Wally Judnich 29 OF .293 38 172 8,400
Chet Laabs 33 OF .269 50 237 7,400

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Elden Auker 35 116-88 4.47 532 13,900
Frank Biscan 26 5,000
Cliff Chambers 24 5,000
Earl Cook 37 0- 0 4.50 1 5,000
Pat Cooper 28 5,000
Leon Day 29 12,927
Harry Dean 30 0- 0 4.50 0 5,000
Denny Galehouse 34 49-55 4.55 405 13,300
Bob Muncrief 30 13- 9 3.82 68 9,500
Satchel Paige 39 43,091

Injured
Tex Hoyle 24 P AA

Retired
Rick Ferrell 40 C .286 27 613

AAA Toledo Mud Hens
Les Moss 20 C #4
George Archie 31 1B .276 3 53 5,900
Chuck Stevens 27 1B .154 0 2 5,700
Artie Wilson 25 2B #7 6,000
Floyd Baker 29 3B
Bob Dillinger 27 3B
Johnny Lucadello 27 3B .276 4 45 7,300
George Bradley 32 OF
Ray Coleman 23 OF #5
Glenn McQuillen 30 OF .292 0 16 6,200
Cliff Fannin 21 P
James Atkins 25 P
Jim Bilbrey 21 P
Bill Butland 28 1- 2 5.57 5 5,700
Marv Grissom 28 P
Jack Kramer 28 16-26 5.79 100 5,000
Al Lyons 27 P
Mickey McGowan 24 P
Jean-Pierre Roy 25 P
Charley Schanz 26 P
Homer Spragins 25 P

AA San Antonio Missions
Frank Mancuso 27 C
Del Wilber 27 C
Tony Ordenana 27 SS
George Elder 25 OF #9
Paul Lehner 25 OF #6
Lou Ciola 23 P
Joe Cleary 27 P
Blackie Schwamb 19 P
Bill Werle 25 P

A Elmira Pioneers
Hank Arft 24 1B #2
Roy Sievers 19 1B #1
Andy Anderson 23 SS #10
Ken Wood 21 OF #8
Ed Chandler 24 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R C. Laabs RF
R J. Berardino 2B
L L. Salazar 1B
R M. Irvin LF
R V. Stephens SS
L W. Judnich CF
R A. Strange 3B
R B. Swift C

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
L G. McQuinn 1B
L W. Judnich CF
R J. Robinson SS
R M. Irvin LF
R R. Dandridge 3B
R J. Berardino 2B
R W. Brown RF
R B. Swift C

Starting Rotation
R S. Paige
R D. Galehouse
R E. Auker
L C. Chambers

Bullpen
L F. Biscan
R E. Cook
R P. Cooper
R H. Dean
R B. Muncrief

Relief Ace
R L. Day

[SelzShoes]

Very much a work in progress; they have enough to be competitive while still building for the future. Could surprise with a respectable debut season.

Once you accept the fact that Dahlgren/Limmer will give you NOTHING from that spot in the line up, there is alot to like. Martin-Jethroe-Zarilla is a pretty good offensive outfield. The infield, aside from Milosevich, is untested. Rigney is probably the best hitter of the rookie infielders. This group should get better as the season progresses.

During the spring, the Millers had the best pitching. I don't think it is that good, beyond the Barnhill-Maglie-Jakucki there isn't that much there. I think Sam Nahem can join them as the "very goods" they can put out almost daily. Low scores should make for exciting games. A plus is this also appears to be a very good defensive club, which only helps the pitching, which keeps them in more games.

I suppose I could make an argument that the Millers will have a better season than Buffalo. That could be a stretch. At best they will hover around .500 for part of the year and then just get waxed by the contenders in September. Sixth place would be as high as I could peg them for now.

Continental League: Minneapolis Millers
President: Mike Kelley (Payroll: $209,272)
Manager: Zeke Bonura
Hitting Coach: Jimmie Wilson
Pitching Coach:Art Mills
Home Park: Nicollet Park (Capacity: 18,200)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ray Mueller 34 C .235 11 96 8,300
Dixie Parsons 29 C .000 0 0 5,000
Babe Dahlgren 33 1B .256 60 322 5,000
Lou Limmer 21 1B #10 5,000
Tommy Giordano 20 2B #5 5,000
Roy Hartsfield 20 2B 5,000
Ray Jablonski 19 3B #4 5,000
Bill Rigney 28 3B 5,000
Mike Milosevich 31 SS 5,000
Sam Jethroe 28 OF 17,086
Hersh Martin 36 OF .286 12 115 9,300
Larry Rosenthal 35 OF .275 21 169 9,700
Dick Whitman 25 OF 5,000
Al Zarilla 26 OF 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Dave Barnhill 32 16,386
Frank Barrett 32 0- 1 5.40 3 5,900
Bob Gillespie 26 5,000
Johnny Humphries 30 15-16 4.98 110 5,900
Sig Jakucki 36 0- 3 8.71 9 5,000
Sal Maglie 28 5,000
Sam Nahem 30 6- 2 2.98 33 7,700
Ewald Pyle 35 0- 2 12.96 5 5,000
Bill Sayles 28 0- 0 7.07 9 5,000
Jack Wilson 33 67-68 4.51 565 12,100

Retired
Chief Hogsett 42 63-87 5.05 436

Released
Pat Patterson 35 3B

AAA Portland Gulls
Marv Felderman 30 C
Roy Partee 28 C
Red Steiner 31 C
Papa Williams 32 1B
Hank Majeski 29 3B .254 7 57 8,000
Frank Verdi 19 SS
Chet Clemens 28 OF .217 0 1 5,000
Al Libke 27 OF
Tommy Tatum 26 OF
Vince Ventura 28 OF
Fuzz White 27 OF .000 0 0 5,900
Al Gerheauser 28 P
Hooks Iott 26 0- 0 9.00 1 6,000
Jim Mains 23 P #2
Ronnie Miller 27 0- 0 4.50 0 5,000
Dave Odom 27 P
Ray Poat 28 P
Preacher Roe 31 0- 0 13.50 1 6,000
Ray Scarborough 28 P
Harry Shuman 31 P
Jocko Thompson 29 P
Max Wilson 29 0- 0 12.86 3 6,000

AA Sherbrooke Canadians
Les Peden 22 C #3
Les Fusselman 25 C
Ed Murphy 27 1B
Al Federoff 21 2B
Tod Davis 21 SS #6
Larry Eschen 25 SS
Harry Elliott 22 OF #9
Jim Fridley 21 OF
Ed Blake 20 P
Harry Byrd 21 P
Bob Chesnes 24 P
George Eyrich 21 P
Harvey Haddix 20 P #7
Sheldon Jones 24 P

A Troy Trojans
Wally Klukas 18 SS #1
Willy Miranda 19 SS
Frank Saucier 19 OF #8

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R R. Hartsfield 2B
R M. Milosevich SS
S H. Martin LF
S S. Jethroe CF
L A. Zarilla RF
R R. Jablonski 3B
L L. Limmer 1B
R D. Parsons C

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R B. Rigney 3B
R R. Mueller C
S H. Martin LF
S S. Jethroe CF
L A. Zarilla RF
R M. Milosevich SS
L L. Limmer 1B
R T. Giordano 2B

Starting Rotation
R S. Maglie
R B. Sayles
R S. Jakucki
R D. Barnhill

Bullpen
R F. Barrett
R B. Gillespie
R S. Nahem
L E. Pyle
R J. Wilson

Relief Ace
R J. Humphries

[SelzShoes]

They have outspent the closest team by $200,000. The veteran laden club is primed for a waltz to the pennant. Or will the lack of a third baseman and one more starter mean disappointment in the Bronx?

Runs will not be a problem--very good, except for what used to be Red Rolfe. They covet Dixie Walker as another contact guy to set up the home run hitters. Jerry Priddy, currently at Newark, could be packaged with Phil Rizzutto (who failed to make the club) to get the thridbaseman they really need. Yes, they could use a defensive upgrade in center; Lindell/Moses doesn't really cover a lot of ground. But they at least hit enough to make up for their range problem.

If everyone doesn't get old, this is a really good pitching staff. Sadly, for Feller and Wyse getting all the attention and money the real key to the season might be Donald and Dubiel. The "other" starters have to be good to for this club to win. Great bullpen should hold most leads when asked too. Bonham could evolve into a starter, but he is way behind right now.

The expectations for the Yankees in not a pennant; It is winning over 100 games and blowing away the rest of the league. They can't just win they must dominate. Problems? A couple, but nothing more money can't fix.

Contential League: New York Yankees
General Manager: Leland MacPhail (Payroll: $752,350)
Manager: Joe McCarthy
Hitting Coach: Red Rolfe
Pitching Coach: Lefty Gomez
Home Park: Yankee Stadium (Capacity: 70,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Bill Dickey 38 C .313 194 1129 49,000
Buddy Rosar 31 C .290 5 85 9,700
Hank Greenberg 35 1B .325 249 1015 192,000
Joe Gordon 31 2B .275 107 398 21,400
Red Rolfe 37 3B .293 61 472 10,090
Frankie Crosetti 35 SS .247 83 525 11,100
Bobby Brown 21 SS #3 5,000
Jimmy Brown 35 SS .292 8 228 5,900
Hank Bauer 23 OF #4 5,000
Tommy Henrich 33 OF .285 80 328 15,500
Charlie Keller 29 OF .304 65 298 17,100
Johnny Lindell 29 OF .000 0 0 6,000
Wally Moses 35 OF .317 61 354 19,400
George Selkirk 38 OF .293 108 566 17,800

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Tiny Bonham 32 18- 9 2.51 80 10,060
Atley Donald 35 30- 12 3.52 192 9,700
Monk Dubiel 28 5,000
Lefty Gomez 37 183- 97 3.31 1427 33,200
Bob Feller 27 107- 54 3.18 1233 90,900
Johnny Murphy 37 73- 37 3.64 295 22,700
Red Ruffing 41 244-209 3.85 1853 49,300
Marius Russo 31 36- 21 3.01 247 15,200
Charley Stanceu 30 3- 3 5.63 21 5,000
Hooks Wyse 28 48,200

AAA Newark Bears
Yogi Berra 20 C #1
Paul Richards 37 C .216 4 42 7,200
Ken Silvestri 29 C .209 5 19 7,600
Al Gardella 28 1B
Jerry Coleman 21 2B #6
Charlie Letchas 30 2B .212 1 4 6,500
Jerry Priddy 26 2B .213 1 26 6,800
Al Rubeling 32 2B .246 4 40 5,000
Phil Rizzuto 28 SS .307 3 46 8,200
Stan Benjamin 31 OF .226 3 30 5,000
Charlie Bowles 29 P
Norm Branch 31 5- 1 2.87 28 5,000
Con Dempsey 22 P
Ken Johnson 23 P
Earl Jones 26 P
Doyle Lade 25 P
Cuddles Marshall 20 P
Joe Page 28 P
Steve Peek 31 4- 2 5.06 18 5,000
Forrest Thompson 28 P
Ken Trinkle 26 P

AA Beaumont Exporters
Joe Collins 23 1B #2
Dick Kryhoski 21 1B
Eddie Bockman 25 3B #10
Billy Johnson 27 3B
Elmer Weingartner 27 SS
Vern Fear 21 P
Wally Hood 20 P #8
Don Johnson 19 P
Mike Modak 23 P
Lou Sleater 19 P
Eddie Yuhas 21 P

A Binghamton Triplets
Bill Drescher 24 C
Charlie Silvera 21 C #7
Fenton Mole 20 1B #9
Bob Cerv 19 OF #5
Steve Filipowicz 24 OF

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R F. Crosetti SS
L W. Moses CF
R H. Greenberg 1B
L C. Keller LF
L T. Henrich RF
R J. Gordon 2B
L B. Dickey C
L R. Rolfe 3B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R J. Lindell CF
R B. Rosar C
R H. Greenberg 1B
L C. Keller LF
R H. Bauer RF
R J. Gordon 2B
S J. Brown SS
L R. Rolfe 3B

Starting Rotation
R B. Feller
R M. Dubiel
R H. Wyse
R A. Donald

Bullpen
R T. Bonham
L L. Gomez
R J. Murphy
L M. Russo
R C. Stanceu

Relief Ace
R R. Ruffing

[SelzShoes]

When the National American League marched into Los Angeles and declared the city "Theirs" the other team in town had a choice. Sulk away to a smaller city, or win a title and embarrass the "Big League." Bob Cobb chose the latter.

Now there are problems here: you'll get nothing from first and catcher. The outfielders will need some help, with only 4 guys to cover all three slots. It could be a good group of hitters, but they are pretty young. What they can actually do is anyone's guess. The infield is the heart of the group. Maximus Meridius is probably the pre-season PCL MVP pick. Of course, that's assuming #3 hitter Harley Gathers leaves anyone on base. This one-two punch will be deadly especially if Red Barkley keeps getting on base.

The pitching could be outstanding. The Stars signed 3 top-flight Negro hurlers (Bremmer, Ray Brown and Smith) who all could win 20. In the bullpen, long time relief ace Mace Brown anchors the staff. They're a bit thing outside those four and Rube Melton, but it is a better staff than a couple NAL/CL teams.

Don't get me wrong; in the NAL/CL this is probably a .500 team. There is no depth to speak of, so any injury to a key performer would doom the season. But as is, they are the best team in the West. It could be closer than I think, but I am confident that this is your 1946 PCL champion. Prepare to be embarrassed Lancers.

Pacific Coast League: Hollywood Stars
President: Bob Cobb
Manager: Fred Haney
Hitting Coach: Phil Weintraub
Pitching Coach: Rick Ferrell
Home Park: Gilmore Field (Capacity: 22,987)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Tony Giuliani 33 C .235 0 49 7,400
Eddie McGah 24 C #3 5,000
Jack Bolling 29 1B .289 3 13 5,000
Frank Skaff 35 1B .545 0 0 5,000
Don Heffner 35 2B .247 6 234 5,000
Maximus Meridius 32 2B 25,000
Harley Gathers 32 3B 28,000
Warren Huston 32 3B .130 0 3 5,000
Red Barkley 32 SS .241 0 14 5,000
Vince Cressio 24 SS #1 5,000
Allie Clark 22 OF #6 5,000
Mike Kreevich 37 OF .290 36 386 8,500
Carmen Mauro 19 OF #10 5,000
Red Treadway 25 OF #4 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Eugene Bremmer 31 15,600
Mace Brown 36 58- 47 3.65 365 14,100
Ray Brown 38 15,900
Hugh East 26 1- 1 3.45 4 5,000
Ed Head 28 1- 2 4.12 13 5,800
Rube Melton 29 1- 5 4.73 57 5,100
Hank Miklos 35 5,000
Tot Pressnell 39 31- 29 3.66 148 5,900
Buck Ross 31 37- 73 5.14 254 5,000
Hilton Smith 39 18,171

Retired
Phil Weintraub 38 1B .293 9 88

Injured
Jack Merson 24 2B #9

AAA Wenatchee Chiefs
Joe Antolick 29 C
Ed Fernandes 28 C .121 0 2 5,800
Hugh Poland 33 C
Woody Williams 33 2B .333 0 6 5,000
Hillis Layne 28 3B .280 0 6 5,000
Steve Mesner 28 3B .198 0 16 6,800
Luis Suarez 29 3B
John O'Neil 25 SS #8
Milt Byrnes 29 OF
Lew Flick 31 OF
Pete Gray 31 OF
Frankie Kelleher 29 OF
Tom McBride 31 OF
Bob Bowman 35 26- 17 3.83 146 5,000
Milo Candini 28 P
Karl Drews 26 P
Wes Flowers 32 1- 1 3.43 8 5,000
Ken Gables 27 P
Steve Gerkin 33 P
Ed Klieman 28 P
Dick Mulligan 28 0- 1 5.00 2 5,900
Frank Papish 28 P
Lou Tost 34 P
Joe Vitelli 37 P
Walter Wilson 32 P

AA Stockton Ports
Bill Mills 25 C #5
Bill Peterman 25 C #7
Boyd Bartley 26 SS
Ernie Kish 28 OF
Deacon Donahue 25 P
Dick Hoover 20 P
Jim Hopper 26 P
John McGillen 28 P
Julio Moreno 25 P
Frank Rosso 25 P
Bert Thiel 19 P

A Salem/Lenoir Friends
Fred Taylor 21 1B
Dino Restelli 21 OF #2
Cot Deal 23 P

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R F. Skaff 1B
R R. Barkley SS
S H. Gathers 3B
R M. Meridius 2B
R M. Kreevich CF
R A. Clark RF
R E. McGah C
L C. Mauro LF

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R M. Kreevich CF
L J. Bolling 1B
S H. Gathers 3B
R M. Meridius 2B
L R. Treadway LF
R R. Barkley SS
R E. McGah C
R A. Clark RF

Starting Rotation
R H. Smith
R E. Bremmer
R R. Brown
R B. Ross

Bullpen
R M. Brown
R H. East
R E. Head
L H. Miklos
R T. Pressnell

Relief Ace
R R. Melton

[SelzShoes]

Casey's plan blew up in his face. And now, he has a team he doesn't like and doesn't think he can win with. This could be an ugly year at Oaks Park.

There are some good hitters here, but outside Lick Carlisle; none of them have become those good hitters. Ted Strong was supposed to supply power, but he isn't making enough contact. But how green is this team--only 3 guys have major league experience. Seven are 25 or younger. Casey usually doesn't work well with kids, he might demand too much.

Casey had planned on building his pitching staff around Hank Bowry, but he didn't make the team. There are some decent arms on the staff--Zoldak and Overmire come to mind--but Bowry would be the best talent out there. How quickly Hank can turn it around and get to Oakland will be a big factor in their season.

All in all, there isn't enough hitting here to win. Casey will get frustrated with the kids and it could be an uncomfortable clubhouse by the end of the year. If they should, by miracle, contend they do have a lot kids to move. Another crop of youngsters sit in A ball, so this could really be a power by the end of the decade.

Pacific Coast League: Oakland Oaks
President: Brick Laws
Manager: Casey Stengel
Hitting Coach: Johnny Neun
Pitching Coach: Johnny Babich
Home Park: Oaks Park (Capacity: 23,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ray Berres 38 C .216 2 73 7,100
Paul Gillespie 25 C #5 5,000
Dale Long 20 1B #2 5,000
Bill McGhee 40 1B 5,000
Lick Carlisle 36 2B 17,857
Grey Clarke 33 3B 5,000
Don Ross 31 3B .264 2 38 7,500
Virgil Stallcup 24 SS 5,000
George Strickland 20 SS #10 5,000
Buster Adams 30 OF .000 0 0 6,000
Clarence Maddern 24 OF 5,000
Sam Mele 23 OF #8 5,000
Walt Moryn 19 OF #3 5,000
Ted Strong 29 OF 17,100

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Dick Coffman 39 70- 94 4.64 370 13,900
Zeb Eaton 26 5,000
Roy Henshaw 34 31- 34 4.12 270 6,100
Ernie Johnson 21 5,000
Danny MacFayden 40 130-158 3.95 792 18,900
Fred Martin 30 5,000
Stubby Overmire 26 5,000
Clyde Shoun 34 33- 30 4.44 252 8,000
Ralph Winegarner 36 8- 6 5.12 81 8,600
Sam Zoldak 27 5,000

AAA Lawrence Millionaires
Ted Pawelek 26 C
Fred Walters 33 C
Jerry Witte 30 1B
Joe Wood 26 2B
Hal Luby 32 3B .184 0 3 5,000
Joe Cicero 35 OF .242 0 8 5,400
Ed Freed 26 OF
Howie McFarland 36 OF
Tommy Neill 26 OF
Hank Borowy 29 P
Bubba Church 21 P
Tommy Fine 31 P
Charlie Gassaway 27 P
Ray Harrell 34 9- 20 5.76 129 5,000
Randy Heflin 27 P
Gene Lambert 24 #7 0- 1 2.00 3 5,000
Les Mueller 27 0- 0 4.85 8 5,000
Mike Naymick 28 1- 3 4.67 18 5,000
Junior Walsh 27 P
Joe Wood 29 P

AA Ogdensburg Maples
Len Rice 27 C
Ken Sears 28 C
Tony Daniels 21 2B
Danny Reynolds 26 SS
Loyd Christopher 26 OF
Val Heim 25 OF
Bill Bradford 24 P
Vic Johnson 25 P
Al Jurisich 24 P
Glen Moulder 28 P
George Spencer 19 P
Jim Suchecki 19 P

A Wilson Tobs
Sam Calderone 20 C
Spook Jacobs 20 2B #6
Jack Maguire 21 2B #9
Al Rosen 22 3B #1
Grant Dunlap 22 OF
Ed McGhee 21 OF #4
Tom Saffell 24 OF

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R B. Adams CF
R S. Mele LF
R L. Carlisle 2B
L B. McGhee 1B
R D. Ross 3B
R G. Strickland SS
L W. Moryn RF
L P. Gillespie C

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R B. Adams CF
R G. Clarke 3B
R L. Carlisle 2B
S T. Strong RF
L B. McGhee 1B
R V. Stallcup SS
R R. Berres C
R C. Maddern LF

Starting Rotation
R F. Martin
L S. Overmire
R R. Winegarner
L S. Zoldak

Bullpen
R Z. Eaton
L R. Henshaw
R E. Johnson
R D. MacFayden
L C. Shoun

Relief Ace
R D. Coffman

[SelzShoes]

This club reminds me of Oakland: very young, a couple legitimate hitters and pitching which could be better. However, the Oaks are a better team, while this club will contend for last place.

Apart from Negro Leaguers Sammy Hughes and Jimmy Crutchfield, I don't know where the hits are coming from. All of the prospects could be good to great but not right now. Manager Al Simmons is probably deluding himself by starting in left. There is some suspicion that Simmons and the coaching staff isn't as serious about this season as they should be. That may not be a good sign for this very young, still developing offense. As someone once wrote about a vintage Met team, they will score runs in bunches of one and none.

Sore armed Dizzy Dean will be the 3rd starter. That is all you need to know about the pitching. Not a lot of help on the horizon either.

One of the last teams put together and it shows. There really isn't anything to deal here--the veteran pitchers were out of work for a reason. When this club loses, it will lose 7-1, 6-2 and so on. No matter how much the hitters mature, until there is some pitching it won't matter.

Pacific Coast League: Phoenix Cowboys
General Manager: Jigger Statz (Payroll: $325,600)
Manager: Al Simmons
Hitting Coach: Sam West
Pitching Coach: Dizzy Dean
Home Park: Montgomery Stadium (Capacity: 22,900)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Dee Moore 31 C .217 0 1 7,000
Joe Tipton 24 C #5 5,000
Ben Taylor 21 1B 5,000
Sammy Hughes 36 2B 22,500
Randy Jackson 20 3B #7 5,000
Tommy Nelson 28 3B 5,000
Rabbit Donovan 22 SS #1 5,000
Clem Koshorek 20 SS #8 5,000
Babe Barna 31 OF .250 3 16 5,000
Jimmy Crutchfield 36 OF 23,000
Joe Frazier 23 OF #4 5,000
Bill Higdon 21 OF #3 5,000
Al Simmons 43 OF .336 306 1813 50,000
Don Thompson 22 OF 5,000
Sam West 41 OF .301 75 813 23,100

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Ken Burkhart 29 5,000
Russ Christopher 28 5,000
Chet Covington 35 5,000
Dizzy Dean 36 150- 83 3.03 1163 38,200
Harry Eisenstat 30 23- 26 3.99 138 10,100
Dixie Howell 26 0- 0 1.80 2 6,000
Ellis Kinder 31 5,000
Bill Lohrman 32 41- 45 3.78 261 9,900
Wimpy Quinn 27 0- 0 7.20 2 5,000
Rocky Stone 27 5,000

Retired
Tony Cuccinello 38 3B .281 89 797
Wally Herbert 38 11- 25 5.65 74

AAA Fall River Indians
Bob Garbark 36 C .219 0 9 8,500
Mike Garbark 30 C
Andy Seminick 25 C #2
Mickey Rocco 30 1B
Stu Martin 32 2B .273 15 166 5,000
Mark Christman 32 3B .236 1 64 5,600
Gil Torres 30 SS .000 0 0 6,000
Frank Secory 33 OF .000 0 0 6,000
Bruce Sloan 31 OF
Mayo Smith 31 OF
Chuck Workman 31 OF .222 0 0 6,900
Joe Berry 41 P
Mike Budnick 26 P
Ray Flanigan 23 P
Ralph Hamner 29 P
Lou Knerr 24 P
Ox Miller 30 P
Joe Murray 25 P
Allie Reynolds 29 P
Hal Toenes 28 P
Les Webber 30 P

AA Granby Red Sox
Lloyd Merriman 21 OF #6
Don White 27 OF
Herb Karpel 28 P
Harry MacPherson 19 P #10
Jim Pearce 20 P
Jack Robinson 25 P
Dick Starr 25 P
Bill Wight 23 P

A Rocky Mount Rocks
Jim Devlin 23 C
Milt Welch 21 C
Joe Lutz 21 1B
Steve Biras 24 2B
Harry Malmberg 20 2B #9
Al Cihocki 21 SS
Pete Milne 20 OF

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
L J. Frazier RF
R J. Tipton C
L J. Crutchfield CF
R S. Hughes 2B
R C. Koshorek SS
R A. Simmons LF
R T. Nelson 3B
L B. Taylor 1B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R C. Koshorek SS
L J. Frazier RF
L J. Crutchfield CF
L B. Barna LF
R S. Hughes 2B
R R. Jackson 3B
L B. Taylor 1B
R D. Moore C

Starting Rotation
R R. Christopher
R B. Lohrman
R D. Dean
L H. Eisenstat

Bullpen
R K. Burkhart
R D. Howell
R E. Kinder
R W. Quinn
R R. Stone

Relief Ace
L C. Covington

[SelzShoes]

If I knew how good the pitching really was then I would know where this club is. They could challenge for a title or stuck in neutral.

I love the offense. Aaron Robinson might be one of the best hitting catchers in the PCL. Fitzpatrick and Denton had monster--MVP style--numbers in spring. Parnell Woods tore the cover off the ball to set up the sluggers. If Skeeter Newsome can get on base from the lead off spot, then this offense could roll. Bench is thin and someone other than Hoderlein will have to be found for second base. There are Jerry Priddy rumors around this club, but the Yankees are asking too much.

The pitching staff has too many guys close to 40; it is a one-season group. I really don't know if they are any good. They have some talent but no one is getting better just older. The Beavers can make a trade for pitching if they stay close.

The offense will carry this team. If the pitching is there then they have as good as shot at the pennant as any of the other contenders. In the end, there isn't enough to unseat the Stars. It should be a fun summer in Portland though.

Pacific Coast League: Portland Beavers
General Manager: Herman Pillette ($307,900)
Manger: Marv Owen
Hitting Coach: Ossie Bluege
Pitching Coach: Freddie Fitzsimmons
Home Park: Vaughn Street Ballpark (Capacity: 23,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ken O'Dea 33 C .263 21 181 12,400
Aaron Robinson 30 C 5,000
Jimmy Fitzpatrick 32 1B 40,680
Hal Trosky 33 1B .313 216 911 23,200
Mel Hoderlein 22 2B #4 5,000
Bill Brubaker 35 3B .262 22 224 10,100
Bobby Thomson 22 3B #3 5,000
Parnell Woods 34 3B 21,200
Bill Jennings 20 SS #8 5,000
Skeeter Newsome 35 SS .232 4 127 5,000
Morrie Aderholt 30 OF .171 1 5 5,800
Bruce Campbell 36 OF .291 101 703 10,600
Charlie Denton 32 OF 39,920
Tuck Stainback 34 OF .265 12 137 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Dick Barrett 39 5- 7 6.05 40 5,000
Earl Caldwell 40 11- 22 5.75 78 7,500
Otey Clark 30 5,000
Larry French 38 182-167 3.52 1125 27,800
Bob Logan 36 0- 4 3.03 14 7,900
Whitey Miller 30 5,000
Ernie Nevel 27 5,000
Freddy Schmidt 30 5,000
Yank Terry 35 1- 0 8.84 9 5,600
Hy Vandenberg 40 1- 3 6.69 31 8,300

Retired
Jack Saltzgaver 43 2B .249 10 72
Pep Young 38 SS .264 31 343
Gee Walker 38 OF .307 109 810

AAA Victoria Athletics
Al Unser 33 C
Chile Gomez 36 2B .231 0 44 5,000
Jim Dyck 24 OF #2
John Dagenhard 28 P
Everett Fagan 28 P
Art Fowler 23 P #9
Al Gettel 28 P
Hal Kleine 22 P
Max Macon 30 5- 11 4.39 40 5,700
Bill McGee 36 40- 38 3.85 300 8,000
Joe Ostrowski 29 P
Al Tate 27 P
Steve Sundra 36 30- 24 4.59 137 8,200
George Washburn 31 0- 0 13.50 1 5,000

AA Modesto Reds
Vince Castino 28 C
Roy Nichols 25 2B #6
Stan Galle 27 3B
Mickey Rutner 26 3B
Frank Carswell 26 OF
Frank McElyea 27 OF
Tommy O'Brien 27 OF
Alton Brown 20 P
Lew Burdette 19 P
Jack Franklin 26 P
Bill Kennedy 25 P
Dick Littlefield 20 P
Emmett O'Neill 28 P

A New Bern Bears
Mickey Kreitner 23 C
Walt Linden 22 C #1
John McHale 24 1B
Jesse Levan 19 3B #10
Tom Upton 19 SS #5
Jerry Scala 21 OF #7
George Schmees 21 OF

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R S. Newsome SS
R P. Woods 3B
S C. Denton CF
R J. Fitzpatrick 1B
L A. Robinson C
S M. Hoderlein 2B
L M. Aderholt LF
R T. Stainback RF

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R S. Newsome SS
S C. Denton CF
R J. Fitzpatrick 1B
R P. Woods 3B
L B. Campbell RF
S M. Hoderlein 2B
L M. Aderholt LF
L K. O'Dea C

Starting Rotation
L L. French
R D. Barrett
R O. Clark
L B. Logan

Bullpen
R E. Caldwell
R W. Miller
R E. Nevel
R F. Schmidt
R Y. Terry

Relief Ace
R H. Vandenberg

[SelzShoes]

If the Stars don't win the PCL, then I think the Salons will. A very good team that will get better as two key players return to health.

Another club with a lot of youth, however they have done a much better job mixing older and veteran players. The infield, provided Eddie Lake (My 3rd favorite Eddie of the Era behind Joost and Yost) can work into the starting line up, will be one of the best in any league when Spider Jorgensen gets well. Anton Gogolak (GoGo I call him) has caused some worry by ending spring in a 4-34 slump. Not enough worry to not give him a key line up slot (5 against righties and 3 against lefties). There is also concern about how much Ernie Lombardi can give this club with his lack of foot speed. He at least gives Joe Rossi a fighting chance to develop.

Pitching staff is another good mix of experience and age. I could probably make the argument their rotation is actually better than Hollywood's because they have 4, as oppose to 3 really good starters. The pen has almost 300 major league wins with Van Lingle Mungo and Lon Warneke. A very sound staff that would be competitive in any league.

So how can I pick the Stars to win the PCL when the evidence is that they are pretty even? Heck, the Salons even had the best PCL record in the spring. I don't even know how I can pick Hollywood. I think it comes down to the fact the Stars' best players are better than the Salons' best players. Sacramento does have a better overall team, but I think stars will be the difference for the Stars.

Pacific Coast League: Sacramento Salons
General Manager: Ossie Vitt (Payroll: $302,950)
Manger: Bill Sweeney
Hitting Coach: Buster Mills
Pitching Coach: Jim Turner
Home Park: Edmonds Field (Capacity: 20,000)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Ernie Lombardi 37 C .310 124 705 29,400
Joe Rossi 25 C #10 5,000
Luke Easter 30 1B 31,200
George Vico 22 1B #5 5,000
Anton Gogolak 32 2B 25,000
Bill Knickerbocker 34 2B .278 27 349 5,000
Roland Gladu 34 3B 5,000
Bud Hardin 23 SS 5,000
Eddie Lake 30 SS .158 2 7 7,000
Don Lenhardt 23 OF #1 5,000
Buster Mills 37 OF .289 13 134 6,600
Ed Sanicki 22 OF #3 5,000
Claude Thoby 35 OF 25,350
Jo-Jo White 36 OF .264 6 173 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Mike Garcia 22 #7 5,000
Mickey Haefner 33 5,000
Fred Hutchinson 26 6- 13 5.43 54 6,200
Larry Jansen 25 #4 5,000
Rankin Johnson 29 1- 0 3.60 0 5,000
Walt Lanfranconi 29 0- 1 3.00 1 6,000
Gordon Maltzberger 33 5,000
Van Mungo 34 102- 99 3.41 1031 27,200
Dick Stone 34 5,000
Lon Warneke 37 177-104 3.21 1045 36,800

Retired
Johnny Moore 44 OF .308 73 450
Jim Turner 42 58- 51 3.16 277

Injured
Spider Jorgensen 26 3B
Jim Rivera 23 OF #2
Monte Kennedy 23 P AA

AAA Spokane Indians
Hank Camelli 31 C
Mike Sandlock 30 C
Ed Butka 30 1B
Joe Mack 34 1B
Nick Polly 28 3B .222 2 0 5,000
Eddie Turchin 29 3B
Ed Sauer 27 OF
Bill Ayers 26 P
Dick Bokelmann 19 P
Fred Caligiuri 27 2- 2 2.93 7 5,000
Bill Connelly 20 P
Jerry Fahr 21 P
Ken Holcombe 27 P
Red Lynn 32 5- 4 3.86 50 5,000
Walter Ockey 26 P
Roy Talcott 26 P
Andy Tomasic 26 P

AA Tyler Trojans
Jim Pruett 28 C
Frank Campos 21 OF
Walt Chipple 27 OF
Al Kvasnak 25 OF #6
Charlie Metro 26 OF
Chucho Ramos 27 OF
Jack Brewer 26 P
Sonny Dixon 21 P
Rufe Gentry 27 P
Jack Kraus 27 P
Barney Schultz 19 P

A Kinston Eagles
Ralph Weigel 24 C #8
Chico Garcia 21 2B
Ed Samcoff 21 2B
Stan Jok 19 3B
Alex Grammas 19 SS #9
Les Layton 24 OF

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
L J. White CF
R B. Mills LF
L L. Easter 1B
L A. Gogolak 2B
R C. Thoby RF
R E. Lombardi C
L R. Gladu 3B
R B. Hardin SS

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
L G. Vico 1B
R B. Mills CF
L A. Gogolak 2B
R C. Thoby 3B
R E. Lake SS
R E. Lombardi C
R D. Lenhardt LF
R E. Sanicki RF

Starting Rotation
L M. Haefner
R L. Jansen
R M. Garcia
R F. Hutchinson

Bullpen
R R. Johnson
R W. Lanfranconi
R V. Mungo
L D. Stone
R L. Warneke

Relief Ace
R G. Maltzberger

[SelzShoes]

Absolutely no power. This club has one hitter and one pitcher and that should mean a lot of losses in Utah. Just think, this club could be losing in Vegas if not for one vote.

The Saints offense begins and ends with Dashiell Spivey. Connie Ryan could be respecitable and Roy Hughes has show some skills, but this is a contact team that does not make enough contact. Really the only thing to pay attention to is to see how long it takes Player/Manager Paul Waner to collect the final 44 hits on his march to 3,000.

The pitching mirrors the offense. After former Card farmhand Harry Brecheen, there is nothing on this club. But he can only start so many games, the rest will be hard to look at. There is a reason why the Saints are promoting Waner more than anything else.

This is a bad team; not surprising since this was the last club put together. There are some pieces here, but they need much much more to even think about .500. Put them down for 100 losses and last place in the PCL.

Pacific Coast League: Salt Lake City Saints
General Manager: Eddie Mulligan
Manager: Paul Waner
Hitting Coach: Spencer Adams
Pitching Coach: Red Peery
Home Park: Derk's Field (Capacity: 25,500)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Babe Phelps 37 C .314 45 304 15,700
Billy Sullivan 35 C .290 28 366 11,200
Vance Dinges 30 1B 5,000
Bobby Morgan 19 2B #1 5,000
Connie Ryan 26 2B 5,000
Buddy Blair 35 3B 5,000
Roy Hughes 35 SS .277 4 147 10,000
Dashiell Spivey 32 SS 50,000
Bob Marquis 21 OF #4 5,000
Rene Monteagudo 30 OF .231 0 2 6,000
Whitey Platt 25 OF #9 5,000
Jake Powell 37 OF .286 20 253 6,700
Eric Tipton 30 OF .233 1 14 5,900
Paul Waner 42 OF .338 111 1227 56,100
Wally Westlake 25 OF #2 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Red Barrett 31 3- 0 2.93 7 8,600
Harry Brecheen 31 0- 0 0.00 4 6,000
Lou Fette 39 41- 38 3.11 190 11,900
Bill Fleming 32 2- 3 4.41 44 6,900
Randy Gumpert 28 1- 4 6.65 15 7,200
Bob Harris 28 28- 42 5.22 170 6,600
Willis Hudlin 39 158-155 4.41 676 26,300
Dale Jones 27 0- 1 7.56 2 5,000
Tom Sunkel 33 5- 5 3.74 77 6,100
Ray Yochim 23 #6 5,000

Retired
Johnny Niggeling 42 17- 21 4.32 171

Injured
Bob Joyce 31 3- 5 6.69 25 5,000

AAA Bremerton Bluejackets
Rip Collins 36 C .208 1 14 5,000
Eddie Kearse 30 C
Bob Keely 36 C
Reggie Otero 30 1B
Blas Monaco 30 2B .286 0 2 6,100
Joe Abreu 32 3B
Norm Wallen 29 3B
Ford Garrison 30 OF
Johnny Lazor 33 OF
Johnny Rizzo 33 OF .275 57 262 7,500
Moe Burtschy 23 P
Ralph Buxton 31 0- 1 4.82 9 6,000
Clem Hausmann 26 P
Mike Kume 19 P
Paul Masterson 30 1- 0 5.51 11 5,000
Hal Schacker 20 P
Bill Voiselle 27 P
John Wells 23 P
Lefty West 30 P
Adrian Zabala 29 P

AA Idaho Falls Russets
Fats Dantonio 27 C
Ed Walczak 27 2B
Jimmy Grant 27 3B
Bitsy Mott 27 SS
Damon Phillips 26 SS
Bill Mueller 25 OF #7
George Diehl 28 P
Cal Howe 21 P #5
Mal Mallette 24 P #3
Rogers McKee 19 P
Dee Sanders 24 P

A Greenville Greenies
Tim Thompson 22 C #10
Frank Kellert 21 1B #8
Ed Mierkowicz 22 OF
Hal Rice 22 OF

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R R. Hughes 3B
L V. Dinges 1B
R D. Spivey SS
R C. Ryan 2B
L P. Waner RF
L B. Phelps C
L B. Marquis CF
R E. Tipton LF

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R C. Ryan 2B
L V. Dinges 1B
R D. Spivey SS
L B. Blair 3B
L P. Waner RF
L B. Sullivan C
L B. Marquis CF
R E. Tipton LF

Starting Rotation
L H. Brecheen
R D. Jones
R B. Harris
R W. Hudlin

Bullpen
R R. Barrett
R L. Fette
R B. Fleming
L T. Sunkel
R R. Yochim

Relief Ace
R R. Gumpert

[SelzShoes]

The most under the radar club in the PCL. Flawed like the other clubs, but they have the deepest pitching staff in the PCL.

There isn't a much power, but there are a couple guys who will always be on base. Lockett, Nieman, Estalella and Stanky will be doing the little things to get on base. Problem is, it will all be singles and walks. Cliff Mapes is the "power" hitter on the team, but that isn't saying much. Still, that is 5 decent hitters. Much better than many other teams can manage in the PCL.

So if the hitting is any bit better than indicated, this pitching staff will carry the club to a title. The bought these guys in cheap and I would not be surprised if they lay claim to the best staff in baseball. Brazle, Lockett and Lopat showed brilliant, but not dominating stuff in spring. The Padres will be in every game, the pitching will see to that.

The pitching is great, but I'm not sold on the hitters. I guess that is the nice thing about dominating pitching; the offense doesn't have to be as good. This could be a very exciting year in San Diego, if the hitters can find a way to score.

Pacific Coast League: San Diego Padres
President: Charles Lott (Payroll: $202,000)
Manager: Frank Shellenback
Hitting Coach: Gavvy Cravath
Pitching Coach: Gene Lillard
Home Park: Lane Park (Capacity: 19,100)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Frank Sacka 21 C 5,000
Don Wheeler 23 C #3 5,000
Vern Freiburger 22 1B .125 0 1 5,000
Eddie Stanky 29 2B 5,000
Lester Lockett 34 3B 22,000
Bob Ramazzotti 29 3B 5,000
Bill Schuster 33 SS .333 0 1 6,100
Bobby Bragan 28 SS .238 11 113 5,000
Frenchy Bordagaray 36 OF .287 6 146 5,000
Hal Epps 32 OF .277 1 4 5,000
Bobby Estalella 34 OF .272 10 65 9,500
Cliff Mapes 24 OF #1 5,000
Charlie Mead 24 OF 5,000
Butch Nieman 28 OF 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Al Brazle 32 5,000
Bud Byerly 25 #6 5,000
Vern Kennedy 39 82-92 5.00 500 9,900
Bob Klinger 37 43-39 4.17 206 5,300
Rod Lockheart 32 17,100
Ed Lopat 27 5,000
Sid Peterson 28 5,000
Willie Ramsdell 29 5,000
Luis Tiant 40 9,500
Ed Wright 26 5,000

AAA Salem Senators
Jim Castiglia 27 C
Sam Narron 32 C .429 0 0 5,000
Steve Souchock 27 1B
Howie Moss 26 3B
Barney White 22 3B
Frank Kalin 28 OF .000 0 1 5,000
Bud Metheny 30 OF
Walker Cress 29 P
Chet Johnson 28 P
Roy Lee 28 P
Dick Mauney 26 P
Steve Nagy 26 P
Joe Orrell 29 P
Jim Prendergast 28 P
Xavier Rescigno 32 P
Elmer Singleton 27 P
Pat Tobin 30 0- 0 36.00 0 5,000
Bob Whitcher 28 P

AA Boise Pilots
Ray Murray 28 C
Bud Sheely 25 C #10
Herb Conyers 25 1B #7
Hank Schenz 26 3B
Bill Sommers 23 3B #2
Dick Adkins 26 SS
Bill Endicott 27 OF
Anse Moore 28 OF
Dick Sipek 23 OF
Ken Brondell 24 P
Julio Gonzalez 25 P
Al Lamacchia 24 P
Art Lopatka 26 P
Stan Partenheimer 23 P
Len Perme 28 P
Gerry Staley 25 P #8

A Moorsville Moors
Chuck Kress 24 1B #4
Jodie Beeler 24 2B
Barney Koch 23 2B
George Freese 19 3B #9
Ben Steiner 24 3B #5

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R L. Lockett 3B
R B. Estalella CF
R E. Stanky 2B
L C. Mapes RF
L B. Nieman LF
R D. Wheeler C
R B. Bragan SS
R V. Freiburger 1B

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R L. Lockett 1B
R B. Estalella CF
R E. Stanky 2B
L C. Mapes RF
L B. Nieman LF
R B. Bragan SS
R B. Ramazzotti 3B
R F. Sacka C

Starting Rotation
L E. Lopat
R R. Lockheart
L A. Brazle
R E. Wright

Bullpen
R V. Kennedy
R B. Klinger
R S. Peterson
R W. Ramsdell
L L. Tiant Sr.

Relief Ace
R B. Byerly

[SelzShoes]

Manager Rogers Hornsby is cutting off his nose to spite his face. He has handicapped his already slim chance to win the PCL because of his now archaic beliefs.

This could be a good starting line up; except Josh Gibson and Larry Doby are starting the season as back ups. Doby was great defensively and hit well, but Joe Rullo gets the nod. Behind the plate, Hornsby used the excuse of Josh's powerless spring (only 1 home run) as reason to start him as the no. 2. Lennie Pearson is starting in left, giving the Rajah some coverage on the race issue. With those two this would be a good, not great, offense. Without them, it really falls short in terms of run production.

The pitching is just kind of there. The staff did have good numbers in the spring, but no one dominated. The peak of this staff is high, but not high enough. Add that after the first half of the staff, talent starts getting hard to find. If you can get to the pen, you can beat Seattle.

Even with Gibson and Doby, I don't think this is a contender for the title. I'd pick them to be in the middle of the pack. How high in the middle depends on how Hornsby feels about going with his best players.

Pacific Coast League: Seattle Rainiers
General Mangers: Bill Skiff (Payroll: $274,435)
Manager: Rogers Hornsby
Hitting Coach: Earl Averill
Pitching Coach: Phil Gallivan
Home Park: Sicks Stadium (Capacity: 25,420)

Fielders Age Pos AVE HR RBI Salary
Josh Gibson 34 C 47,667
Tom Padden 37 C .272 2 109 9,200
Jack Phillips 24 1B #4 5,000
Larry Doby 22 2B #1 12,750
Joe Rullo 29 2B 5,000
Kermit Wahl 23 2B #8 5,000
Harlond Clift 33 3B .281 160 689 31,800
Glenn Crawford 32 SS 5,000
Mike Chartak 29 OF .133 0 3 5,000
Hank Leiber 35 OF .292 97 495 10,700
Paul O'Dea 25 OF #9 5,000
Andy Pafko 25 OF #3 5,000
Lennie Pearson 28 OF 14,018
Jimmy Ripple 36 OF .285 28 236 5,000

Pitchers Age W- L ERA SO Salary
Orie Arntzen 36 5,000
Hi Bithorn 30 5,000
Cy Buker 27 5,000
Tommy De La Cruz 34 5,000
Hal Erickson 26 5,000
Ed Heusser 36 18-21 4.44 104 7,800
Ken Jungels 29 1- 0 6.88 14 8,500
Andy Karl 31 5,000
Bob Malloy 27 5,000
Ken Raffensberger 28 7-10 3.50 61 8,400

AAA Knoxville Smokies
Stan Andrews 28 C .203 0 3 5,100
Danny Doyle 29 C
Russ Lyon 32 C
Ed Levy 29 1B .000 0 0 5,000
George Fallon 31 2B .250 0 0 5,100
Buck Fausett 37 3B
Bill Hart 33 3B
Sammy Meeks 22 SS
Luis Olmo 26 OF
Art Rebel 31 OF .222 0 1 5,000
Jose Zardon 22 OF #7
Hank Behrman 24 P
Fred Bradley 25 P
Dick Conger 24 1- 0 1.29 3 5,000
Bill Donovan 29 P
Bill Evans 27 P
Glenn Gardner 30 P
Frank Hiller 25 P
Woody Main 24 P
Joe Muir 23 P
Red Murff 25 P
Jake Wade 34 15-23 5.93 152 5,000

AA Albuquerque Dukes
Sam Dente 23 3B
Johnny Ostrowski 28 3B
Bobby Balcena 20 OF
Austin Knickerbocker 27 OF
Kite Thomas 22 OF #6
Niles Jordan 20 P
Bob Keegan 25 P
Marino Pieretti 25 P
Ozzie Van Brabant 19 P
Jim Wilson 24 P

A Goldsboro Goldbugs
George Bradshaw 21 C
Wes Westrum 23 C #2
Roy Hawes 19 1B
Ray Hamrick 24 2B
Grady Wilson 23 SS #10
Irv Noren 21 OF #5
Archie Wilson 22 OF

LINEUP VS RHP Pos
R A. Pafko CF
R J. Phillips 1B
R L. Pearson LF
R H. Clift 3B
L G. Crawford SS
R T. Padden C
R J. Rullo 2B
L J. Ripple RF

LINEUP VS LHP Pos
R A. Pafko CF
R J. Phillips 1B
R L. Pearson LF
R H. Clift 3B
L G. Crawford SS
R T. Padden C
L J. Ripple RF
R K. Wahl 2B

Starting Rotation
R T. De La Cruz
L K. Raffensberger
R E. Heusser
R O. Arntzen

Bullpen
R A. Karl
R K. Jungels
R C. Buker
R H. Bithorn
R H. Erickson

Relief Ace
R B. Malloy

[SelzShoes]

For all the players who were at the Negro League tryout camp, the CL and PCL divided up the rights for those players. Here is a list of who holds whose rights.

Brooklyn : P Bill Greason, P Verdell Mathis

Buffalo : 1B Tom Alston, C Sammy Hairston, 3B Hector Rodriguez, 3B Pat Patterson

Cincinnati : P Jay Heard

Columbus : P Dave Hoskins, OF Jim Pendleton, OF Joe Taylor, OF Jerry Benjamin, OF Johnny Davis, 1B Jim West, OF Wild Bill Wright

Hollywood : OF Dave Pope, 1B Lyman Bostock Sr., OF Gene Benson, P Brooks Lawrence

Kansas City : P Joe Black

Minneapolis : INF Gene Baker, P Connie Johnson, P Pat Scantlebury, INF Hank Thompson, P Bill Byrd, 2B Piper Davis, INF Bonnie Serrell, P Sig Cornelius, INF Buzz Clarkson

New York : P Sam Jones

Oakland : INF John Kennedy, C Roy Campanella, SS Pee Wee Butts, 1B/OF Showboat Thomas, OF Bob Wilson

Phoenix : P Frank Barnes, P Izzy Leon, OF Bob Thurman, OF Francisc Coimbre, 3B Howard Easterling, OF Tetelo Vargas, P Connie Marrero, 1B Josephus Bricker

Portland : SS Jesse Williams

Sacramento : C Ray Noble, C Quincy Trouppe

Salt Lake City : 1B/OF Bob Boyd, P Diomedes Olivo, OF Harry Simpson, P Bob Trice, C Joe Greene, P Terris McDuffie

San Diego : 1B George Crowe, SS Willie Wells, C Spoony Palm

Seattle : P Lino Donoso, OF Jumbo Kimbro

[SelzShoes]

Sacramento Salons

Activate Spider Jorgensen from injured list.
Send SS Bud Hardin to AAA Spokane.

Jorgensen was having a great spring went he went down with injury. Adding his bat to the mix makes the offense that much more dangerous. Hardin was not hitting (1-9) in the half-time role at short; with him at AAA, Eddie Lake takes over as the starting shortstop. Yet another quality bat to be inserted into the everyday lineup.

Detroit Tigers

Reserve OF/1B Vic Wertz has hurt his back and will be out of action for several weeks. It is a bad injury for such a young player to have. Wertz had not been used much, going 0-2 in late game activity.

The Tigers recalled 1B/OF Herman Reich from the Dallas Rebels. In limited action, Reich went 5-14, with a home run and double in Dallas. Reich will back up first and play some right field as well

Barney McCosky and Johnny Lipon will take over center and short from Hoot Evers and Moe Franklin respectively. The offense has been stale the first week; Baker hopes to give his pitchers a few more runs to work with.

[SelzShoes]

The Rainier's make some big moves. With Kermit Wahl out for several weeks, Seattle purchased the contract of George Fallon from Knoxville. Now Wahl, and Fallon, are last line infielders. Usually not the kind of roster move that causes big changes, but Rogers Hornsby did. Both Josh Gibson and Larry Doby, who have been killing the ball, enter the line up. Both of these guys have had big hits pinch-hitting and coming into games late-Josh has both home runs the Rainiers have hit so far. I expect Hornsby to be unforgiving. At the first sign of struggle either could be pulled.

As if to balance it out, Lennie Pearson is pulled from the line up in favor of Paul O'Dea.

[SelzShoes]

Baltimore Athletics

Back up infielder Emil Verban suffers a really sever leg injury; the call goes out to the Maple Leafs. It is too early to really have a finger on who would have the most value, but Ed Wheeler gets the first call. This should not really affect the line-ups very much, but does give the Babe a little more flexibility in late innings. Verban is not as versatile as Wheeler.

Cleveland Indians

Even with a first place team, the Tribe has some weaknesses. Bob Feller's defection to the Yanks has stretched the Indian's pitching pretty thing. Cal Dorsett, who was fabulous in the spring, is healthy again and this could give the staff a boost. Bert Shepard, who had not appeared in a game, is farmed out to Oklahoma City. Boudreau takes the opportunity to revamp his rotation, subbing Heving and Red Embree for Smith and Dean. Embree had been effective as the relief ace, and is eager to show what he can do with a regular turn. I think Smith or Dean will be back in the rotation soon-I don't believe Heving has long term effectiveness. The real show starts when Schoolboy Rowe, the Indian's big money acquisition, finally gets healthy later this season. If they are close, it is a blockbuster addition.

[SelzShoes]

Brooklyn trades AAA OF Dixie Walker, 3B Lew Riggs, and P Ralph Branca to Columbus for 2B/OF Martin Dihigo, P Dan Bankhead and AA P Owen Hunter.

Great trade for the Dodgers even if it was on again off again. It took three tries to solve two problems for GM Burt Shotton. Dixie will no longer be a sour presence at Montreal and Riggs was blocking phenom Minnie Minoso ("Greatest G-d Damned raw talent I've ever seen," Leo Durocher says).

Columbus? Well they did finally convince the Dodgers to take Dihigo and Bankhead, rather than explore separate deals to move them. But Hunter is the #3 rated pitching prospect in baseball and he was just rotting at AA. Branca, if he can get his wildness under control, he will be a very good pitcher. They got the guy they wanted and I guess that's all that matters.

San Diego President Charles Lott was searching for a bat; talking to the Yankees (Tommy Henrich), Dodgers (Carl Abrams) and Kansas City (Vern Stephens). The eastern clubs just weren't interested in anything the Pads had to offer.

The Tigers talked to the Phillies about moving a couple players, but the talent poor Phils couldn't put together a package that worked for the Kitties.

Los Angeles kid GM Buzzie Bavasi (32 years old) went for an early season blockbuster by making an offer for Boston's Bobby Doerr. The package of Joe Haynes and Don Gutteridge did not sway Eddie Collins.

Chub Feeney looked to shore up a weak hitting Giant outfield by offering AAA P Hoyt Wilhelm and 1B Babe Young to Pittsburgh for OFs Vince DiMaggio and Bob Elliott. The Bucs are playing decently and saw no need to make a move.

The Cardinals could not find anything to trade for that wasn't (in their eyes) an upgrade.

Washington tried to trade for AAA P Bill Clemensen, but the Pirates asked for Mickey Vernon. The talks ended then.

[SelzShoes]

The Yankees deal some headaches for the centerfielder they need. The Yankees send George Selkirk (only used as a pinch runner this season), SS Phil Rizzuto and 2B Jerry Priddy (both playing at Newark) for Dixie Walker (a couple days after being traded by the Dodgers, AAA P Joe Hatten and AA C Gus Niarhos. Yankees move some useless salaries and get the player (Walker) they wanted all along. The Clips do give up a good catching prospect and a lefty who could have value this season for a DP tandem of the future, today!

Portland made an attempt to acquire back up infielder Don Heffner, but the Stars were hesitant to deal so early in the season.

Ed Walsh Jr. thinks his club might have a shot to win a few more games than he originally thought. Looking for a little more "pop" he deals OF Stan Spence to the Phillies for struggling OF Ron Northey. Spence has been little used with the Seals but fits into Philadelphia very well. Northey is down at .135, but the young (25) old right fielder can reach the seats when he is right.

The Rainiers make a bold move; offering Cincinnati 3 prospects for Buck Leonard. Seattle looks to be in a two-team race with Portland, and needs to upgrade the offence. The Reds, hoping to stay in the race (they are currently 6th) do not want to part with Buck's big (if inconsistent) bat just yet. Check back later when the Fire Sale begins.

[SelzShoes]

The Cubs make an offer for Giants Outfielder/Third baseman Sid Gordon. The players the Cubs initially offer (Clyde McCullough and Eddie Waitkus) are already strengths of the G-Men. The Giants need pitching and outfield defense. The Cubs, just getting Spuds Chandler and Paul Erickson on the track to full strength, aren’t willing to deal pitching now and the only outfielder they would consent to move now is Bill Nicholson. Swish is not known for his D. The Cubs should like their position, sitting ½ behind San Francisco and 1 ½ ahead of the rest of the pack.

Cleveland pulls off a minor a deal with the Lancers moving Buddy Hassett (a six year veteran stuck at AAA) for career minor league pitcher Jim Konstanty. The tribe is trying to shore up the pitching; I don’t know if Konstanty or Hassett will be on the major league roster in the near future—but both should see time at some point.

The Millers go looking for a first baseman and pitching and come up empty. They have some AAA options for the pitching so there could be some roster moves to try and help there. The first base issue will linger all summer—I could see them moving someone around to fill the gap but a trade is the only answer.

The Giants make some inquiries about some pitchers and good glove men for the outfield. Nothing happening on their front.

The Oaks talk to the Blues about acquiring pitcher Earl Cook and minor league first baseman Chuck Stevens. No movement on this deal now, but I think this might happen down the road.

Saint Louis explores a couple options via trade, but they all seemed like panic moves after the rough weekend with the Seals. Calmer heads prevailed.

The Padres look into getting shortstop Vern Stephens from the Blues, but the Blues want to hold on to the kid for now.

[SelzShoes]

Red Sox
Odd moves by the BoSox-Despite the obvious pitching problems, GM Eddie Collins focuses on revamping the bench-placing Lou Finney on waivers and outrighting 3 others to Louisville. Lefty Earl Johnson is also sent to Louisville, apparently bearing the full weight of the pitching failures. I myself would have done more to improve the pitching, but Collins must feel over the long term the pitching will right itself. He might have a point, three of the four starters are throwing well, and it is bullpen lapses that have cost games late. Manager Joe Cronin's pen has put the pre-season pick for the East title in last place. He needs to find a combination to get those precious last outs. The line up changes should help an already good offense. Dom DiMaggio (who can hit and run and throw/better than his brother Joe) now installed as the lead off hitter should mean more RBI chances for the oft-walked Ted Williams. Pete Fox, one of the few regulars struggling at the plate, is now second-and should get better pitches to hit.

Dodgers
With their club in first and excelling in all phases of the game, the Bums make no roster moves. Leo does move the pitching around, giving the Dodgers two Negroes in the rotation (Bankhead and Newcombe) to go with Higbe and Wyatt. More than any manager (aside from Sukeforth in KC) Durocher has been able to keep the Southerners on his team from grumbling about their colored teammates. "They are here," the Lip has said, "and they are going to make us rich." The Dodgers willingness to keep a talent like Dixie Walker at Montreal only reinforced the organizational philosophy. The line up should still plate many runs, but I know Leo would like high priced vets Joe Medwick and Billy Herman to hit better.

Cubs
Suddenly looking like the only consistent team in the NAL West, the Cubbies consider farming out many of the kids on the roster for a 'veteran presence'. GM Jim Gallagher decides that as long as they are playing well why not stick with youth. Paul Erickson, back from injury, hasn't set the rotation on fire and will get some bullpen work to strengthen his arm. Even if he gets in shape, he might find it hard to break a suddenly superior rotation. Not much changes with the line up, but Bill Nicholson is finally showing signs of life and will see the PT slowly start to creep up.

Indians
Like the Cubs, the East leading Indians see no reason for roster changes at this time. The only significant change in the line up or pitching staff is Ken Keltner's back is finally well enough to go everyday.

[SelzShoes]

Clippers
The dealingest team thus far (less than 20 games in and two trades) decides to see what all the ex-Dodgers and ex-Yankees actually can do for them. This club has settled near the bottom of the CL, not entirely unexpected. I would say the dealing has an eye towards the future, but other than Priddy and Rizzuto all the key players and pitchers are too old to have much long-term value. As the deadline nears, expect some of these players to be moved for prospects.

Tigers
President Walter Briggs came very close to making a couple moves with the roster—the risk of losing a pitcher and the request of Del Baker prevented both of them. Virgil Trucks, awful in two starts, was on the verge of being sent to the minors. Briggs decided Trucks would be claimed by someone while on waivers; two bad starts are not worth losing a quality arm. Baker intervened when Herman Reich was almost sent to Dallas. Reich was viewed, by Baker, as a key bench player with Rudy York struggling and Vic Wertz hurt. Herman probably will get sent out when Wertz is healthy in a week or so.

Blues
How does one judge the Blues? As the Browns, they had not had a winning record since 1929 so being the 3rd best club in the CL should count for something. However, Rickey and Veeck raised expectations with the number and quality of Negroes they brought to the club. In some circles, anything less than a pennant and the mass integration experiment will be derided as a failure. To be fair, Paige has been hampered by some nagging injuries and it took a couple weeks to get Leon Day in the rotation. That being said, Rickey and Veeck stay the course with this club—other than a minor bench move. Alan Strange goes to Toledo as Bob Dillinger is recalled. Strange was not doing anything particularly bad he was just ordinary. Dillinger adds speed and his .350 average at AAA hopefully will translate into hits at the major league level. The Blues do have a surplus of third basemen at AAA, I expect Dillinger and Co. to rotate in and out as the Blues audition them for a possible deal with a team needing a quality third baseman (Yankees anyone?).

Lancers
Despite the heat Joe DiMaggio is taking (mainly because his batting average is only .272) the real problem with the Lancers is the pitching. Ted Lyons still insists in putting himself on the mound to allow 22 runs in 25 innings. Bullfrog Bill Dietrich gives up runs in bunches and the Ray Starr/Orval Grove combination might be two of the worst starting pitcher outside of Milwaukee. There are some good arms here, Lyons for some reason doesn’t use them (except for Joe Haynes). Lyons reliance on veteran, if suspect arms, is further confirmed by recalling 35-year old Pat McLaughlin from Little Rock for a young pitcher who while struggling, is not in the class of the four mentioned above. Right now, the Lancers are 1-9 on the road, which Lyons attributes to the need for air travel. But the Seals are 6-1 with the same travel problems. LA needs to make some wholesale changes to contend, I’m afraid the organization does not have the vision to do what needs to be done.

[SelzShoes]

Braves
Just as you would expect with a floundering team: players are moving up and down at a fierce pace. Torgeson and Bickford, who looked to be contributors for years to come, get their second shot with the parent franchise. But let's be real, no matter who is one the roster, this club will lose a lot of games. Now, I'd rather lose with Spahn, Bickford, Torgeson and the other kids than know this club has no future. This is a club that needs to identify its core and let them take their lumps now.

Millers
General Manager Mike Kelley is in a delicate position. The Millers are clearly the best of the "promoted" clubs, but have serious flaws that keep Minneapolis being able to battle for a pennant. The Dahlgren/Limmer first base combination is an automatic out. Tommy Giordano is 0-20 and Dick Whitman is somehow hitting .433 (13-30) with 3 runs and 2 RBI. The pitching staff contains four 6.40+ ERA-two that reside in the rotation. But while the numbers are ugly, Kelley plays a hunch and sticks with what seems to be working. This is a young team, so this may not be the worst thing to do. The more they win games they shouldn't-and beat the teams they should-the confidence could mean a .500 or better season for the Millers.

Giants
Thanks to a great weekend against the Red Sox the G-Men are looking like a team back on track. There should be talent enough to contend but the wildest pitching staff in baseball has made that difficult. Rather than correct that flaw New York does some gentle tinkering to the bench and back end of the pen. Babe Young and Oscar Grimes are established major leaguers-and they get the boot to Jersey City. Whitey Lockman, who has been playing first, might be moved to left or center to cover up the holes there. George Hausmann probably won't see much time in the starting line up. He is here for his glove. Shoring up that defense, turning late DP's, should equal some wins.

Oaks
The worst pitching and hitting team in the PCL: Casey's Oakland Oaks. Getting Dale Long of the roster is a good thing; the kid managed a few singles, but he could generate any power against big league pitching. The same could be said for Moose Moryn, the 20-year old outfielder who just yesterday got his batting average over .100 (.109 in 46 AB). Is Jerry Witte a net gain, probably not, but at least Long has a future. Witte only has a past. Stubby Overmire returns from AAA. He didn't look good in three starts earlier; still he has more talent than most on the current Oaks' staff. Basically, unless the crew in Oakland right now doesn't get better, this will be a bad team all year long. There isn't a lot of trade bait either, so who knows how long it will take the Oaks to get any better.

[SelzShoes]

Phillies
William Cox's Phillies are having the illusion of a good start. Sitting at .500 and in third place one might think they are a contender in the East. When you see Tommy Hughes has 5 of the 10 wins, then you know this is not a contender. Del Ennis is having a great start, but I don't see anyone else really playing the type of ball needed to win a title. The offense is average and the pitching is approaching some of the worst in baseball. When Hughes is on the mound they have a chance, other than that, they are 100-loss team. Cox buys into the illusion, and does nothing to try and improve his team.

Pirates
Wow this team is good. The top two starters, Max Butcher and Johnny Gee have a combined ERA of 0.71. Number three starter Guy Bush is at 2.10 and Nick Strincevich has an astronomical 2.50 in the 4 spot. With the exception of first baseman Elbie Fletcher the offense has been very consistent-no one player is 'carrying' the team. The bench is still a little thin, right now that does not matter. This is a veteran group-the only question would be how the latitude Frankie Frisch gives his players will backfire on him. This is a hard drinking, hard partying club; when the days get hot, the men may wilt.

Solons
We are two starting pitchers from seriously challenging Seattle and Portland. Unfortunately, there does not appear to be an organizational answer to this problem. GM Ossie Vitt does what he can for me-sending out four players who weren't giving much. Of course, other than Joe Mack, the players called up have been here before. I have to find a way to keep this club close until Vitt can add the arms needed to make a run for the title. Honestly, if they stay healthy, there is no catching the Beavers. We can hopefully set up a strong season and make a run in 1947.

Cardinals
GM Gabe Paul reacts to the Seals 4-game sweep of the Cards with some measured moves. Solly Hemus and Eddie Kazak go out-making Al Schoendienst the starter at second. Paul recalls young Tommy Glaviano and Dixie Walker's brother to fill out the bench. Harry Walker is a no-power-slap hitter in the mold of Johnny Hopp, so he might get quite of few at bats from Sewell. Howie Pollet is also sent to Rochester. The lefty who was so good down the stretch in 1941 just has not been able to string together good appearances-starter or reliever he has struggled in all roles. Johnny Grodzicki, another member of the 1941 kiddie corps, makes it back to the majors. The Redbirds do have one of the deepest organizations in baseball so they may be able to rebound as long as they keep their heads about them.

[SelzShoes]

Saints
Such a sad little team-but I love them. They are like an ugly puppy or that roller skate song by Melanie; you just can't help but love 'em. Thrown together at the very last moment it has so many of the type of players that the Hall of Fame and I love: single hitters with little power.

As a team, the squad can rake--.292 as a team and a decent slugging percentage. The Saints rank 3rd in slugging at .374, their ISO (.082) ranks 5th, which isn't bad when you can't hit 'em out of the park. Portland, the league's premier slugging team sits at .463 and .141 in both categories; Oakland is last with .295 and .055. Every other team has more doubles than Oakland does total extra base hits.

But they score runs; men are always moving on the base paths-manager Paul Waner is making these hitters into his image. Make contact and don't give up outs with steals or bunts. Get on base and score, score, score. Second in the PCL in runs scored.

Alas, the pitching is as bad as the hitters are good. Even with Yochim and Sunkel being sent out, the staff has three 10+ ERA's and 5 .315+ OAVE's. The worst part is, they have three good starting pitchers. Brecheen, Harris and Fleming have sub-4.00 ERA's; the bullpen just cannot close the deal. If they kept track of in 1946, the SABR types would note 14 of 26 inherited runners have scored. The bullpen is keeping this club from making a run at .500.

Now, they did make some changes to the pen and they think Dale Jones, who looks to be over his early problems, could be the 4th starter. If the pen starts getting outs, the Saints will be a second half surprise. Watch this team; they play an exciting brand of ball. Now if only the good people of Salt Lake City would come out to watch.

Padres
San Diego is part of a four-team logjam at 4th, 8 (!) games out of first. There are two problems here: the offense and the pitching.

At bat, they are marginally better than the black hole of Oakland. The Padres do draw a few more walks and have 7 more doubles than Casey's boys; that doesn't translate into a lot of runs. President Charles Lott gambled the pitching was great and could overcome pitiful few runs. He was wrong.

Rod Lockheart has been a solid starter, but he was expected to be a pitcher of the year candidate. Eddie Lopat has been hit hard and no one has shown up in the 3 and 4 spots. Over time, the pitching will be there, I'm pretty sure of that. Even if Lockheart and Lopat throw like the 1 and 1-A San Diego thought they had, where is the 1-B and 1-C they need to win everyday.

Lott ships out 4 players with a combined 4-46 on the season. Ok, Wheeler and Ramazzotti had a few games in the PCL already-but the big move is signing Willie Wells. The veteran shortstop is the first Negro to have his rights purchased mid-season. Willie had a poor spring with the Reds, but had been playing like a man possessed with the Black Yankees. He still has good defensive skills, so that will help the pitching.

Will this help them win? I don't think so; runs are going to be a battle all year long. The best I think the Pads can hope for is a marginal increase in offense, which could be the difference between 5th and 7th.

Seals
On the backs of Johnny Sain, Bill Bevens and Sandy Consuegra we have risen to first place. Sain and Consuegra are above their heads right now, but I'm going to ride it as long as I can. Offensively we need more, but GM Ed Walsh Jr. sense I'm comfortable with the players and only change a back end bullpen spot.

Senators
My sleeper team is having mixed results early. The offense is, for the most part, lackluster and the pitching, aside from Dutch Leonard and Bill Trotter, have been just as bad. There is just no consistency in their play. Not a lot to say about them right now.

[SelzShoes]

Athletics
The Babe has taken this punch and judy squad and crafted something of an offense. This club always has men in motion. While the Babe would love to add a bit home run threat, he hoped for some pitching help. Jimmy Dykes couldn't find anything he wanted in trade or on the farm better than what he has now. Right now they are the fifth best team in the league-but the park is filled and they play exciting ball.

The Babe does shake the staff up, moving Knott and Burrows in and reinstating Lafayette as the relief ace. Buck O'Neill is given the first baseman job. Buck hasn't hit for much power, but he is hitting better and drawing more walks than the Rookie Fain.

Reds
Warren Giles wants to see more of this inconsistent club before making any changes. Bill McKechnie moves the parts around a bit. I admire them for sticking with Ewell Blackwell. The kid has thrown batting practice this season (15 hits in 5.1 IP) and they refuse to send him out.

Stars
This was a club that has under performed early still believes the Bremmer/Brown/Smith group will pitch at a higher level. Ed Klieman is called up to help the middle of the bullpen. The club also purchases the option on Negro Gene Benson to add another bat to the line up. Vince Cressio takes over the everyday job at short giving the Stars 3 reader created starters in the infield.

Beavers
Until this two game blip against their record against the Stars, Portland acquires some insurance for the infield. Joe Wood is a cheap insurance policy. They were going to release OF Bruce Campbell anyway and P Joe Ostrowski didn't fit into their long-term plans. The middle infield is very week for the Beavers; Wood will get a shot at some point this season to win the job.

Oaks
Casey inserts Bruce Campbell right in the line up trying to get some more offense from the outfield.

[SelzShoes]

The Indians inquire about the availability of rookie pitcher Robin Roberts from the Phillies. Despite some ugly numbers (11.57 ERA, .359 OAVE, 7 BB in 9.1 IP) Phils' President Cox listens to his "baseball" people and will not give up on the kid yet.

San Diego again makes noise about trading for Vern Stephens, but the Blues want to hold on to him to get more value. The Padres also ask the Yankees about recently hot Tommy Henrich which could work out later in the year if the Yanks need another arm.

The Seals go looking for another bat and can't find one that anyone wants to deal. Willard Marshall, a Giants farmhand killing the ball at Jersey City, attracts the most interest from us.

[SelzShoes]

Red Sox
The BoSox have a potent offense and mostly decent starting pitching. The Sox are in last place because of the bullpen's inability to get anyone out. Two career minor leaguers, Don Fisher and Bob Ferguson, will get the chance to shore up the late innings. Both men were throwing very well at Louisville; if GM Eddie Collins and Manager Joe Cronin find the right combination Boston can start to crawl back into the race.

Dodgers
Brooklyn has been rolling and makes no changes at this time. The catching position is a real weakness offensively but they can afford a dead spot in the line up.

Bison
The Bison seriously considered sending down Negro Achilles Brown but decided against it. GM Leslie O'Connor just could not bring himself to send the young man to Atlanta, Charleston, SC or El Paso and have any hope the kid will succeed.

As bad as the Bison pitching has been, the offense has been worse. Rookies Dee Fondy and Charlie Fox (.188 and .102 batting averages respectively) are farmed out along with veteran shortstop Pet Coscarart (.103 batting average). There are too many ugly averages for the new faces to make a serious difference, but you have to try something, anything, when the team is down to .227.

Veteran Lloyd Waner is also benched in favor of rookie Graham Walker. With Chuck Harmon, Wally Flager, Gus Zernial and Walker four rookies will be part of the starting line up. If Buddy Blattner hits like he did in spring training (7 exhibition home runs) they could be on the way of building a winner in a few years.

Cubs
The Cubs make a minor change with the bullpen, sending Paul Erickson to AAA to work back from his injury. Vallie Eaves gets the call to fill his spot.

Indians
Rookie centerfielder Dale Mitchell is shipped to Oklahoma City; defensively he was doing the job, but the hitting was not major league quality. Hank Edwards, who briefly played for Cleveland in 1941, gets the call to fill the roster.

[fantastic flying froggies]

Graham Walker is a starter! Woot!

[SelzShoes]

Graham Walker is a starter! Woot!
And he'll be the starter for years to come. There is a good group of young hitters in Buffalo; the pitching will really have to be overhauled to contend.

[SelzShoes]

Tigers
The Tigers pitching staff was in a groove, so they won enough to pull to a second place tie with San Francisco. The offense has just been too ordinary to compensate for when the pitching is off. Rookie shortstop Johnny Lipon and outfielder Ned Harris are the fall guys for the offenses failures. Vic Wertz, recovered from his injury, and infielder Red Roberts will fill the roster slots. Wertz will probably be one of the key pinch hitters, while Roberts is the fifth infielder.

Blues
With Paige and Day coming around to complement Auker, Branch Rickey makes some minor adjustments. The most consequential move is shipping Vern Stephens to AAA. Stephens has struggled and with Jackie Robinson all-around terrific season, he hasn't had many chances to hit out of his month long slump.

Lancers
This has been an up and down club during the first month, jumping out to a good start before a 4-13 stretch pushed them near last place. GM Bavasi makes some minor changes, but they really just need consistent play from the players they do have. Bob Kennedy will get a shot to win the everyday third base job.

Millers
One thing we've learned about GM Mike Kelley is he is very reluctant to make moves with this roster. Tommy Giordano 0-22? Stays. That is why the move he did make today finally shows me might be willing to make some moves to keep the Millers on the outskirts of contention.

With the Lou Limmer and Babe Dahlgren combination slugging a combined .286, Kelley picked Johnny Sturm up off his couch in St. Louis to see what he can do with AAA Portland (MA) Gulls. Sturm was the starter for the 1941 Champion Yankees but has had some injury problems since then. He lost part of his right index finger in a tractor accident while in service, and suffered a broken wrist in early 1941 to which the Yankees released him. Some thought his career might be over, but he is getting a shot with the Millers.

With Maglie and Humphries the Millers have a good chance to finish 4th and above .500. However, it can't happen if the other two slots have ERAs near 6.00. At some point the options at Portland, notably Preacher Roe and Junior Thompson, need a chance to reach those goals. There are also four Negro League pitchers the Millers on the rights to, but the uninspiring efforts of Dave Barnhill might sour Kelley on giving another Negro a chance on the hill.

Giants
The G-Men have had problems with the outfield, both offensively and defensively, so GM Chub Feeney shakes up the roster in that area. Buster Maynard and Johnny Dickshot take the short trip to Jersey City. Kid OFer Willard Marshall, an offensive force (and decent defensively), is the unsurprising call up. The other is veteran Frank Doljack, who has not played a major league game since 1934. The crew at Jersey City is almost as bad as those already in New York.

[SelzShoes]

Oaks
Five new faces graces the Oaks' roster to try and pump some life into the team. If they hit, then the Oaks might not finish last.

Phillies
Other than listening to an offer for Robin Roberts, the Phillies do nothing with their roster.

Cowboys
A bad team going nowhere. The two best hitters are 36-year old Negroes who might not be with the club next year. The kid first baseman has no power, inspiring GM Jigger Statz to see if Phil Weintraub would reconsider retirement. (Phil Weintraub! No major league AB's since 1938 Phil Weintraub! He could be the difference between 7th and 8th!) Not a lot of power and impatient hitters equals a stagnant offense.

The most interesting thing about the Cowboys is the shortstop position. The Portland Beavers, whose only real flaw is the middle infield, asked about rookie Rabbit Donovan. Coincidentally, or not, Donovan is given the starting job over fellow rookie Clem Koshorek. Koshorek has not been awful, but his weaknesses-no power/patience-are the same weaknesses as the rest of the line up. Donovan will actually take a walk every once and awhile, with a little more power. The jump in speed will also help the offense while Koshorek is the better glove. Now both are well regarded by the Cowboys' baseball people (Donovan is rated the organization's #1 prospect, Koshorek is #9) so it is uncertain if they will keep both, moving Donovan to second, or trade one for more parts. If they go trade, these are the problems: if they trade Koshorek, they don't get as much as they would for Donovan; if they trade Donovan, they'll end up underselling him because the track record isn't established.

Cardinals
The Redbirds entered the season as the favorites in the West and their start did nothing to dispel that thinking. Then a 7 game losing streak, all at home, had the team in a daze. A good weekend against the Giants has Cardinal Nation breathing easier. They shuffle the back end of the roster; they are confidant the team as constructed can win.

That said-why isn't Musial playing more. They need to move Musial or Hopp to left so they both can be in the line up.

[SelzShoes]

Saints
The people of Salt Lake City don't care about this team, why should we? Well, the formula-line drive hitters slapping the ball all over the park is kind of working. After a horrid first two weeks (2-10), the Saints have won 8 of 13 with a 3 game sweep of the Beavers. Player/Manger Paul Waner has found a couple starters to go behind Harry Brecheen so I could see a near .500 finish for this club. But again, with this club drawing less than 10,000 a game (even lower if I was willing to do the math to make it era appropriate), who really cares. . . other than Dash Spivey's creator?

Padres
Before the season started, I thought the Pads would have outstanding pitching, but a weak offense. Well, the offense has been slightly better than I anticipated, but the pitching has been lacking. They have been simply average when they need to be outstanding to win with this line up. After making some changes in the last week, the Padres tweak again, recalling Sam Narron (0-7 in very limited duty in April) to give them a veteran presence behind the plate.

Seals
After our brief ascendancy into first the team has started to cool off. Our GM, Ed Walsh Jr., thinks we might have a shot in a weak Western division. He addresses our infield problems with a couple good players from Saint Paul. We also pick up another good arm in Tom Seats from the same squad. A deeper bench and bullpen might give us a better shot a staying with the Cubs.

Senators
They have been brutal at home-any club playing its at Griffith Stadium should not have a team ERA over 5.00. Owner/President Clark Griffith had hoped a mix of veterans and kids could win enough to put people in the stands; they aren't. Two of the kids in the bullpen and 19-year-old third baseman Ed Yost (overmatched at bat and glove) are shipped to Chattanooga. I don't think there will be much change in the Senators' near future.

[SelzShoes]

The Yankees are looking for a back up infielder that could take over the everyday job at third base. There are organizational concerns about Red Rolfe's ability to make it through the season with out a severe drop off in production. Bobby Brown was supposed to fill that role, but with the Rizzuto trade Brown has had to fill those shoes. Probably the most developed third baseman in the minors is Billy Johnson, and he is barely doing it at AA. There are a couple PCL players that could fit the bill; however, GM Larry MacPhail has pitching to spare and decides to wait until there are more teams in a dealing mood.

In a much different situation is the Pittsburgh Pirates. They have some of the best pitching and hitting in baseball (outscoring the opposition 147-110), and yet they can't win at home and play overall .500 ball. Yeah, they've got a three-headed mess at third and probably could upgrade at first, but are those the real problems for this club? I don't know what is missing with this club and a pending sale makes things even messier. Club President Benswanger wants to add power, but almost to the exclusion of everything. It is probably better they did not make a deal because I'm not sure they really could upgrade with such confusion.

[SelzShoes]

Clippers
Just when I think I know what the Clippers plan is, they go and make a very puzzling roster move. The Rizzuto trade was about building a foundation. I thought that is what acquiring Ralph Branca (with Harry Walker prior to him being spun off to the Yanks) was all about. Well after one wild, but competent outing, Branca found himself sitting in the bullpen unused. Yes, Branca will take a regular turn at Memphis-which might be better for the 20 year old, but why commit to youth if you aren't going to use your youngsters. The fact he was replaced on the roster by George Caster, a 20 game loser in 1938 and a two time 19 game loser, just makes an old pitching staff older. I know most of the pitchers are either going to be traded or not resigned next year, but why not find an inning a week for one of their promising arms?

Braves
The Braves have finally put together a decent rotation but the bullpen is a disaster. Manny Salvo wasn't good in his first go-round with Milwaukee probably won't be good this time either. There are a few pieces in place, but man, there wasn't much for Perini at the major or minor league level. There is going to have to be some major deals and astute drafting this club wants to contend. I think the novelty of being a "Major League City" can only carry you a season and a half; after that there needs to be some winning.

Yankees
When the worst thing you can say about a team is that the second lefty in the bullpen has not been effective, they are doing pretty good. The Yanks have jumped ahead of the Dodgers in the standings, but the lead is not big. It figures to be a two-team race all year long, but the Monarchs and Blues (and to a lesser degree Minneapolis) are not showing signs of dropping out of the race yet.

[SelzShoes]

Pirates
The bullpen has blown some leads, keeping the Bucs at .500. I would rate Pittsburgh and better hitting and pitching club than division leading Cleveland they just haven’t been able to turn the stats into wins. They do seem to win big (9 of the 15 wins by more than 4 runs—I don’t know if that is unusually high or low) and lose close ones (7 of 15 by 1 run—second only to Boston and tied with Detroit). I know it is early, but I get worried whenever my club is nearer to last than first; which is were Pittsburgh sits now. Is there something in Frisch’s managerial style that fails in the clutch? Anyway, the Benswanger family is looking to sell the team, so they would like to see the team improve the record. Both William Benswanger and Frisch think the players are already on the rosters, so they stay the course for now.

Solons
General Manager Ossie Vitt cleans house, sending four players—three infielders—to AAA Spokane. The lack of organizational depth on the infield is laid bare, as Vitt has to dip to Class A Kinston to pluck Alex Grammas for the bench. The Solons have nothing in the organization outside of the current second baseman and third baseman (Gogolak and Jorgensen). For this team to keep up with Portland and Seattle, a deal for a shortstop or quality backup infielder is needed. This team just gives away too many outs in the everyday line up to really put up a fight for anything other than 3rd.

Rainiers
Just as the Beavers looked to be turning the PCL into a runaway, they hit a slump just as the Rainiers go on a streak. With a narrow edge in the PCL, Seattle makes no moves.

[SelzShoes]

Indians
Cleveland GM Roger Peckinpaugh asks about Detroit farmhand Rugger Ardizoia. The 26-year-old Williamsport pitcher has put together a good first month; I don't know if he would have an impact for either team this year. The Tigers rebuff this first inquiry.

Cardinals
Everyone wants Bill Howerton! The AAA Rochester outfielder was asked by every team the Cardinals approached. Sid Gordon of the Giants attracted a lot of attention from the Cards, but a struggling pitcher at AAA Chattanooga was the player they really made a play for. The sadly struggling Senators could use another bat in the infield, but wanted to move .163 hitting Cecil Travis in any package. The vet has been all around awful and Cards had no interest in that. The Redbirds do sign recently released Cub farmhand Cliff Dapper and assign him to AA Houston.

Padres
San Diego makes another attempt to get Vern Stephens; the Blues still don't go for it, but with their struggles (6 game losing streak) Eddie Stanky as the everyday second baseman is starting to sound better and better. The Padres might be able to deal oft asked about Steve Souchock if they follow through on signing recently retired Phil Weintraub. Babe Herman (?) gets an offer to play at AAA Salem. The Pads also had interest in the above-mentioned Dapper; the Cardinals could guarantee more playing time than San Diego could at AA.

[SelzShoes]

Red Sox
Eddie Collins and Joe Cronin seemingly have bet their careers on the current roster. With the club still slogging along in 5th and not able to put together a solid week of play the Red Sox make no changes to the roster. Even with Johnny Pesky hobbled with a leg injury doesn't compel them to make a move. I think this is the best squad the Sox can field right now but do not have the confidence that Collins and Cronin have. Joe Dobson might be able to stabilize the bullpen, but he has to be in the rotation, his innings are too valuable.

Indians
With Ken Keltner's back feeling better Bert Hodge had become somewhat superfluous on the bench. Dale Mitchell, the young slap hitting outfielder who had an April run with the Tribe, is recalled after hitting near .400 back at Oklahoma City. Jim Bagby finds himself moved to the bullpen for Chubby Dean. Bagby has given up 10+ hits in 3 of his last 4 starts. He needs to get back to making them miss.

Lancers
This hot and cold team has been hard to get a read on. Right now, they are trying to get more men on base in front of DiMaggio. Joe might be getting the business about his .266 average but he is on a pace for 40+ home runs and 120+ RBI. The Lancers hope the combo of Michaels and Appling can edge that RBI number up for Joe. Los Angeles might be able to make a run at first if the pitching staff can stop walking so many men. A small move is made with the back up catcher; I think the Lancer brain trust does not know what to make of this club either.

Millers
After holding fast through offensive struggles of his team, GM Mike Kelley finally pulls some strings. Lou Limmer, a game kid who was overwhelmed to the tune of a .136 average is shipped to Single A Troy. Versatile Bill Rigney goes to AAA, but not 0-23 Tommy Giordano. Recently signed Johnny Strum and Negro Leaguer Buzz Clarkson [NOTE: Most Negro League sources list him as Bus Clarkson; MLB as Buzz] are brought to Minneapolis to fill the spots. There is not a lot of organizational depth here, so if these guys don't do it, then the dream of a .500 season may be over. Johnny Humphries is also slotted back as the relief ace, where is lack of stamina will not hurt the Millers as much. On a minor league note, AA shortstop Tod Davis has been placed on waivers.

Phillies
William Cox makes no adjustments with his surprising Phillies.

Cardinals
With failing starting pitching bearing the blame for the current woes of the Redbirds, Saint Louis recalls Howie Pollet and Johnny Beazley. Pollet had some adventures in the bullpen, but a wonderful start for Rochester seems to show he has his head back on. Beazley put in some good inning for the Red Wings as well. Neither man will start yet, but this does give Luke Sewell some more options than he had before.

Padres
With Steve Souchock hitting so well, the signing of Phil Weintraub does not make a whole lot of sense. Weintraub, 'retired' to Palm Springs in the spring, but a sufficient offer enticed him to sign with the Padres. Weintraub will provide a quality pinch hitter and back up to Souchock until he is ready to go full time. Souchock might be moved to the outfield for the remainder of the year as manager Frank Shellenback looks for a way to extend the offense. San Diego was expected to ride their pitching to contention; outside of Rod Lockheart the pitching has been a major disappointment. Ed Wright should be back in a week, it would be interesting to see what the staff can do with everyone in their best slot.

Seals
San Francisco continues to win with just enough offense and great pitching. Shemo, Lang and Renna-all regulars, plus back up catcher Schultz-are sent out for a fresh group of bodies. LaPointe, Rackley and Northey were up earlier but will hopefully hit better this time around. I keep waiting for the other shoe, but as long as the pitching holds, we've got just as good a chance as the other Western contenders.