SAHARA JIHAD 1930 PREVIEW

They went from first to worst, losing 100 games. The Jihad have a serious rebuilding ahead. 

DRAFT
The Jihad got some needed pitching help in Lefty Gomez, although it will be a while before the 
dividends pay off. Ben Chapman should have immediate impact with his speed and glove, although 
he will likely be better served as an outfielder with his arm and quickness. Ray Phelps is a 
worthy addition, and the rest serve immediate needs, even if short term. 
Grade: A-


CATCHING
Again, trouble looms behind the plate. Berg and Ruel are ineffective, and the only hopes for 
stability lie in the three rookies. All in all, this is a cavalcade of mediocre at best catching, 
and that can't help the pitching. 
Grade: D-


INFIELD
Jim Bottomley is solid at first, and Dick Bartell is a strong shortstop (as well as a fiery leader). 
However, Willie Kamm has a nagging shoulder injury, so hopefully rookie Ben Chapman can pick up some 
of the slack. Ski Melillo has some of the league's surest hands at second, but his hitting leaves 
much to be desired. 
Grade: C+


OUTFIELD
His average may have slipped a bit, but Babe Herman still has the ability to hit the ball harder 
than anyone. Chick Hafey must rebound from 1929. His average dropped 79 points, and his doubles 
went from 60 to 31 (although he hit 24 home runs, twice as many the previous season). Sam Rice is 
feeling the pang of age, but still might have a few seasons ahead. After these three, though, there 
is nothing but two untried rookies, Earl Webb and Bob Seeds. One injury and the outfield is in trouble. 
Big trouble. 
Grade: B


STARTING PITCHING
Earl Whitehill and George Earnshaw are the only decent veteran starters this team may have. Rookie 
Socks Seibold is expected to make the rotation, as is rookie Ray Phelps. But Bill Sherdel, Larry 
Benton and Herb Pennock are getting too close to the end. Jeff Russell was not impressive this 
spring, nor was Leo Sweetland. Two years removed from the pennant winning Jihad, this staff is full 
of nothing-ballers and ne'er-do-wells. All we can do is wait to see if Lefty Gomez is deserving of 
the first overall selection. 
Grade: D+


BULLPEN
Hal Haid is still hanging around as the ace of the bullpen, but the middle men are rejects from the 
rotation, and that can't be a good sign. 
Grade: C


OUTLOOK
The staff still seriously needs an overall, and they are either too young or too old to make a difference. 
Hopefully, the hitting will keep things interesting, or else it will be a long hot year again in the Sahara. 
PROGNOSIS: Fourth Place