MISSISSIPPI CLIPPERS 1930 PREVIEW DRAFT The Clippers addressed a pressing need in the 1930 draft, their depth. Mississippi added five position players to their roster, including first-round pick Tony Cuccinello, who is adept at both second and third base. Dib Williams is another good pick as a utility infielder, and outfielder Showboat Fisher should make an immediate impact. Jo-Jo Moore has the tools but is a long-term project. The Clippers failed, however, to add some arms to an already thin pitching staff. Grade: B CATCHING Gabby Hartnett reclaims the starting job after missing large quantities of playing time in 1929 due to foot and ankle injuries. Hartnett figures to return to the third spot in the Clipper order and provides immediate offense, although his health may still be in question. Clyde Sukeforth filled in admirably in 1929, batting .310, but he should return to reserve status. Veterans Wally Shang (.179) and Hank Gowdy (.350) provide experience from the bench, but not much else. Grade: B+ INFIELD At each one of the infield positions, the Clippers are equipped with potential All-Stars. George Sisler, the consistent veteran, (.280 5 66) returns as the incumbent. He is backed up by Lu Blue (.231), who entered many games last season as Sisler's defensive replacement. The middle of the diamond is held down by Frankie Frisch (.279 10 69) and Red Kress (.252 12 74). Both men came on strong in the second half last season and look for better things in 1930. 1928 MVP Freddie Lindstrom (.276 17 66) enjoyed the longest batting streak in DBS history in 1929, and returns as the third sacker. Expect Lindstrom to return to his 1928 form this season. These players are backed up by Marty McManus (.286) as well as rookies Williams and Cuccinello. Veterans Andy Cohen and World Series hero Jackie Tavener have retired Grade: A- OUTFIELD The outfield features the most explosive members of the Clipper lineup. Centerfield All-Star Hack Wilson was second in the league in homers (39) and RBI (105) while batting .295. Most experts are expecting Wilson to have a huge 1930 should he stay healthy. Wilson is flanked by Goose Goslin, (.276 15 63) and Riggs Stephenson (.334 7 63). Should anyone fall victim to the injury bug, Adam Comorosky, Rube Bressler (.290) and Sammy Byrd (.272) are waiting in the wings. Rookie Showboat Fisher may provide a hot bat if given an opportunity. Grade: A STARTING PITCHING The Clippers have shuffled their rotation for 1930. 1928 Cy Young Winner Burleigh Grimes (17-6 3.28) in the unquestioned ace of the staff, but he will be joined by some new faces in the Clipper rotation. Lefty Stewart (11-3 2.87) and Erv Brame (9-8 4.58) both pitched well out of the bullpen in 1929 and their strong showing down the stretch earned them a promotion in 1930. Both have young, durable arms and hope to have strong showings. Rey Kremer (6-12 3.46) looks to bounce back from an injury-filled 1929 disappointment. Veteran Ted Lyons (11-9 4.25) rounds out the five-man new-look rotation. How the new faces perform in 1930 will be a key to Clipper success. Grade: C BULLPEN Stewart's promotion leads to some uncertainty in the bullpen. Stewart, who led the team in saves last season with 11 is replaced by ageless Eppa Rixey. Rixey, who was 13-14 last year, welcomes the move to relax his aging arm. He is joined in the bullpen by Tommy Thomas (11-10 3.45) who didn't become the big winner Mississippi had hoped for. The bullpen is rounded out by the returning Flint Rhem, who successfully completed arm rehabilitation. Jack Ogden should miss all of 1929 with an injury, and Mike Cvengros has retired, further depleting a thin relief corp. Grade: B- OUTLOOK With a stronger bench than the 1928 championship team, the Clippers seem poised to reclaim the top spot in the Southeast division. While their pitching staff is a little thin, there should be enough quality arms overcome this shortcomings. Barring a rash of major injuries, this team is a serious threat to the DBS World Title. PROGNOSIS: First Place