ST. LOUIS BUBONIC PLAGUE 1930 PREIVEW


DRAFT
The Bubonic Plague made some excellent short and long term selections in the 1930 draft. First round pick 
Jay "Dizzy" Dean is the quite possibly the best RHP prospect in the last three campaigns, but will require 
seasoning in the minors. Same goes for 3B Billy Werber, selected with the Plague's 2nd pick. RHP Sloppy 
Thurston should fit in to the Plague bullpen immediately. The remainder of the Plague's draft picks was 
spent boosting up the bench with several middle infielders and outfielders. 
Grade: A-


CATCHING
Jimmie Wilson (.297 12 37) settled the catcher platoon with an outstanding 1929 season. Wilson's 
uncharacteristic speed (25 SB), as well as his tremendous defensive ability have made it his job to 
lose. Should Wilson get injured or falter, Luke Sewell (.152) will be ready. Reserve Ray Hayworth may 
also see some, if limited action in 1930. 
Grade: B


INFIELD
The Plague infield undergoes some changes this season. Jimmie Foxx (.273 29 71), the mainstay at 
first base, is eager to improve on his 1929 numbers. As Foxx matures, he should do just that. 
Last year's second baseman, All-Star Tony Lazzeri (.304 20 64) will move over to third to make 
way for rookie phenom Johnny Hoddapp, who burned AAA pitching last season. Joe Sewell (.258 14 55), 
last year's third sacker, moves to the bench, where he will become an valuable pinch-hitter and 
spot starter. Hod Ford failed to meet many of General Manager Harry "Blackfish" Jackson's edicts 
last season and is replaced by Charlie Gelbert. Gelbert does bring a more potent, if untested 
bat to the Plague lineup. Ford will be his mentor on the bench. The Plague infield should be 
outstanding in 1930, however, its inexperience is still a major concern. 
Grade: B+


OUTFIELD
The loss of Babe Ruth in a mid-season trade last year takes a huge bat out of the lineup, as well 
as the reputation of the league's best outfield. However, the Plague were able to deal Ruth due 
to the tremendous season of Al Simmons. The DBS MVP, Simmons had a Ruthian year, leading the circuit 
with 54 home runs and 120 RBI while batting .281. The durable CF Earle Combs (.277 13 51) will be 
back as the leadoff sparkplug and defensive genius. Look for Combs to improve offensively in 1930. 
Ruth's replacement, veteran Edd Roush has had contract troubles with GM Jackson, and vows to hold 
out the whole season if necessary. If Roush and Jackson cannot come to terms, the right field job 
will be given to rookie Dick "Twitchy" Porter. Rookies Ike Boone and Sam West (obtained in the Ruth 
deal) provide depth. The only question mark in the outfield for 1930 will be the performance of Porter. 
Grade: A-


STARTING PITCHING
One year ago, the Plague had the worst rotation in baseball, and pundits were wondering where the 
pitching would come from after the controversial release of RHP Bob Smith. However, the through 
some shrewd trades, the Plague's rotation has transformed itself into one of the best young staffs 
in the DBS. Midseason acquisition George Pipgras (4-0 1.76 since coming over in a trade with Pawtucket) 
and 1929 first round pick Bill Hallahan (3-4 11saves) are slated to be in the rotation for a full season. 
Sam Jones (9-8 87 games) also earned a promotion to the rotation where he will join original 
Plague workhorse Guy Bush (11-10 4.02). Veteran Dolf Luque (3-2 1.79) who impressed many with a 
late season call-up should round out the vastly improved rotation. 
Grade: B


BULLPEN
While many of the arms are untested, the bullpen is the most exciting part of the Plague team. 
Most of the members are young, hard throwers, tempered by the guidance of veteran Clarence Mitchell. 
Mitchell (11-11 3.63) pitched well last season, but will be called upon to help groom the new arms 
in St. Louis. Mel Harder, obtained in the Babe Ruth trade, will one day be a durable starter, but is 
being tutored in the bullpen, as is rookie Sloppy Thurston. Ad Liska, who pitched well in his only 
appearance in 1930, and Hi Bell are the other pitchers in the pen. With the exception of Mitchell, 
this group is all rookies, which can be viewed at in two ways: the bullpen will have a large element 
of surprise in 1930, or their inexperience will be their demise. 
Grade: B


OUTLOOK
The Plague recorded their first ever winning season in 1929, and look for them to continue that 
success in 1930. There should be continued success in St. Louis, even a winning season, but don't 
expect them to mount a serious challenge for the division title. 
PROGNOSIS: Third Place