HARLEM KNIGHTS 1931 PREVIEW
DRAFT
With their roster loaded with All-Star caliber players, the Knights really had no choice but to draft for their future. In an explicable draft-day trade, the Knights pawned off four has-beens or never-weres to Hattiesburg for the 5th overall choice, which became Bucky Walters. The Knights also added pitcher Van Mungo with the 7th pick in the first round. Dixie Walker, taken in the second round, also has the potential to become an All-Star. While the Knights did make some trades to address their depth (Billy Urbanski, Les Mallon), this draft was to secure their future. With the choices made in 1931, the Knights will be a force in the Northeast division for many years to come.
Grade: A
CATCHING
If he can ever play a full season, Bill Dickey has the talent to become the best catcher this side of Mickey Cochrane. Dickey (.295 3 56) saw his power numbers decline last season, but most observers attribute this to growing pains. Look for Dickey to have a breakout season in 1931. Harry McCurdy (.241) provides relief should Dickey tire, but he is known more his glove than his bat. Rollie Helmsley returns from Mobile (AAA) to be the squad's third catcher.
Grade: A-
INFIELD
Shortstop Joe Cronin emerged last season to become the leader of the infield, if not the entire Harlem team. Although Cronin batted .283, his 24 home runs and 74 RBI seemed to always come at crucial moments. His heady play and strong bat are the biggest asset to the Knights infield. Cronin's double-play partner, Buddy Myer, returns to second base in 1931. Myer (.263 83 runs 7 SB) has been somewhat disappointing over the past two seasons as leadoff man. But his potential and the Knights deep roster allows him to learn on the job � he should only get better. First base will be handled by veteran Don Hurst (.288 13 59) who is relishing the opportunity to play every day. Third base will be handled again by the exceptional platoon of Joe Stripp (.312) and Les Bell. Veteran Bernie Friberg (.279) can play all infield positions and rookies Les Mallon and Bill Urbanski could provide relief if needed. Not a spectacular squad, but an effective one.
Grade: B+
OUTFIELD
The Harlem outfield, meanwhile, is both spectacular and effective. Led by MVP Chuck Klein, (.329 39 132) Harlem boasts the most dangerous offensive weapon in the DBS with his bat and feet (23 SB). His emergence as a superstar last season allowed the pressure to be taken off of Babe Ruth, who enjoyed his finest DBS season. The Bambino (.317 39 97) was seemingly content to play second fiddle to Klein, and look for him to fill the role even more convincingly in 1931. Lefty O'Doul and Carl Reynolds combined to form the greatest platoon in DBS history (.328 20 HR 98 RBI 221 hits between them) and both will be back in 1931. However, the emergence of rookie Pepper Martin may form a quagmire in left as there is only one spot for three awesome talents. Veteran Mule Haas returns to spell the starters and provide an experienced bat off the bench.
Grade: A
STARTING PITCHING
There is a bit of controversy in this year's camp as Rookie of the Year runner-up Pat Caraway was released. Caraway, the eccentric left-hander, apparently burned too many bridges during his short stay in Harlem, but one cannot deny his fine season on the mound in 1930 (14-9 3.39). He will be replaced in the rotation by rookie Larry French. French, also a left-hander, is a tough customer that most scouts predict will have Harlem fans forgetting about Caraway. Freddie Fitzsimmons (16-9 4.43) will also return to the rotation, although his weight became a question mark when he ran out of gas in August and had to be removed from the rotation. Bill Walker (11-9 4.23) will also get another, and maybe his final opportunity, to stand out as a starter.
However, the biggest question mark for the Knights in 1931 will be their ace, Lefty Grove. Over the past two seasons, Lefty has not become the dominant pitcher that many thought he would be after his sensational 1928 campaign. Grove insists, however, that his off-season training regimen will answer all the questions that skeptics have about his ability in 1931.
Grade: A-
BULLPEN
The starters were so good for the Knights last season that the bullpen was not given the opportunity to shine. When they were called upon, however, many in the Harlem relief corps performed very well. With Milt Gaston (10 SV) off to Hattiesburg, the closer job falls to Danny MacFayden (3-5 3.41 10 SV). He will be aided by Watty Clark (8-5 3.77) and two returnees to the Harlem staff, Red Lucas and Tom Zachary. Both pitchers spent all of 1930 in the minors to hone their crafts and work off injuries. Rookie Si Johnson will also see significant action while soaking up knowledge from the veterans. General Crowder (12-6 3.62 6 SV) is equally effective in relief or as a spot-starter.
Grade: A
OUTLOOK
Harlem has always been an interesting team. In 1929, they were expected to compete for the division title. They didn't. In 1930, they were expected to win a World Championship. They didn't. The Knights are hungry to prove once and for all that with a talent-laden roster that they have what it takes to win the World Series. Look for them to shake the �Next Year's Champions� label in 1931.
PROGNOSIS: First Place
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