PAWTUCKET FLYING DUTCHMEN 1931 PREVIEW
DRAFT
While only choosing three players, the Dutchmen nonetheless had a productive draft. With the first pick overall, they chose 2B Billy Herman who some scouts say will replace Rogers Hornsby on the field and in the hearts of the Dutchmen fans. Also chosen was a top-notch pitching prospect Monte Weaver, who has the ability to possibly move into the rotation this season, and pitcher Jim Mooney, a crafty lefthander who will add some stability to the Dutchmen bullpen. Pawtucket addressed their two biggest long-term needs with their picks but there will be little return on their investment in 1931.
Grade: A-
CATCHING
The Dutchmen have a group of receivers in camp vying for the starting position. All four candidates, Glenn Myatt, Bennie Tate, Earl Grace and Andy Asbjorson are strong defensively but not great hitters. The best hitter of the group is Tate, who batted .325 in 292 AB last season. Myatt started most of the time in 1930, but batted only .245. Management is eager to see what Grace, a 3rd round pick in 1929, can do, and he should receive ample opportunity. Asbjornson is a free-agent signing over the winter and is a long-shot candidate at best.
Grade: C
INFIELD
With the trade last season of Rogers Hornsby, Del Bissonette has become the on-field leader of the Dutchmen. Del was Pawtucket's most reliable player last season, batting .281 (with 11 HR 54 RBI). He will be backed up by Charlie Grimm, a talented hitter that has never received a sustained opportunity in Pawtucket. Max Bishop should hold down second base this season, or until Herman is ready to go. �Camera Eye� has only had 109 at-bats in his last two seasons with the Dutchmen, so his durability may be in question. If he falters, look for Johnny Kerr (.183) or Jimmy Reese (.284) to see some action at second. Lyn Lary will be at shortstop for a full season, but hopes are he will be more consistent at the plate than he was at the tail end of 1930. Bill Rogell may see some action at short should Lary slump. Pinky Whitney (.245 11 66) returns at third base hoping to rebound from a disappointing 1930.
Grade: B
OUTFIELD
With the loss of fan favorite Harry Heilmann to retirement, the door is open for rookie Joe Vosmik, who is the leading candidate for the right field job. Vosmik, a 20-year old right-handed hitter who was drafted on the second round in 1930, will compete primarily with Ernie Orsatti. Orsatti hit .232 in a late-season tryout, but has more promise than showed. Johnny Frederick (.300 12 60) returns to centerfield after a strong 1930 finish. Freddy Leach impressed management so much with his speed (17 SB and a DBS-leading 13 triples) that he was given the left-field job. Veteran Ethan Allen (.268) provides outfield depth and an clutch bat off the bench.
Grade: B
STARTING PITCHING
When the Dutchmen traded George Uhle last August, his departure created an opportunity for several hurlers. Most noticeably, Ray Benge, lost in the Montgomery minor league system. Although Benge was 0-5 with a 5.82 ERA last season, he did pitch better than his numbers indicated and will be in the rotation in 1931. Other starters include Bump Hadley (9-14 4.42), who thrived under his new role as �ace� of the Dutchmen staff. Jumbo Elliott (5-16 5.06) and Lloyd Brown (5-16 4.48) also return to the rotation a year older, wiser and hopefully, better. Brown in particular may be one player to watch this season as scouts report the left-hander used his 1930 experience to motivate himself to become one of the top pitchers in the DBS in 1931.
Grade: B-
BULLPEN
The Dutchmen bullpen was the strongest aspect of their team in 1930, alas, they didn't have many opportunities to showcase it. Stopper Ray Kolp was undefeated in 1930 (7-0) and has proven to be one of the best relief pitchers in the history of the DBS (23-8, 21 saves in his career). He returns in 1931 as the Pawtucket closer. Kolp will be complimented by veterans Jim Lindsey (1-7 4.09 and a no-hitter) and Ed Durham (3-4 5 SV). Management feels that these veteran arms, along with the tutelage of former 15-game winner Sam Gray will help tutor rookie Jim Mooney (7-1 2.01 at AAA Michigan City), possibly grooming him for a closer role when Kolp retires.
Grade: A-
OUTLOOK
1931 will be a crucial year in the history of the Dutchmen franchise. With so much invested in young players, it will be interesting to see how these youngsters fare under the daily grind of a 154-game schedule. Barring injuries, there are definitely greener pastures ahead. With the imminent arrivals of Herman, Weaver and 1930 top pick Lon Warneke, the Dutchmen could be a pennant contender in 1932. Unfortunately, things are not going to be much different in Pawtucket than they were in 1930, except that this Pawtucket team should not lose 100 games.
PROGNOSIS: Fourth Place
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