SAHARA JIHAD 1931 PREVIEW
DRAFT
Thanks to a blockbuster off-season trade, the Jihad received seven players from the North Dallas Forty in exchange for their first two picks in the 1931 draft. Six of those players should make an immediate impact in 1931 with at least two (Morgan and Mancuso) assuming starting roles. It is debatable that had Sahara kept the picks they would have chosen two players who will have similar impact. Like the trade, Sahara's draft had short-term benefits but long-term needs were not addressed. Pitchers Ivy Andrews and Allyn Stout provide depth to the pitching corps, but neither figure to be long-term prospects. Same for Urbane Pickering, who will add stability to the infield, especially at third base.
Grade: B+
CATCHING
If there was ever a living definition of �by committee� it is in the Sahara catching corps. Six catchers are in camp vying for the starting position � a vastly improved situation from a year ago. Early odds are that the job will go to either Gus Mancuso or Spud Davis, both formerly of North Dallas. Mancuso (.328 19 73) enjoyed a breakthrough season in 1930 and many feel that Davis (.277 11 44) is a quality receiver if given the opportunity. Others in camp are 1928 starter Muddy Ruel (.249 4 27), 1929 starter Moe Berg, Gene DeSautles (.167), and Eddie Phillips. 1930 starter Tony Rensa (.241 4 33) was released.
Grade: B
INFIELD
The biggest addition was the bat of Ed Morgan, also acquired in the trade with North Dallas. Morgan (.322 33 100) becomes the first legitimate slugger in club history and should bat cleanup. Jim Bottomley (.232 5 33), suffering from nagging injuries and decreased production since 1928, will take a role on the bench and mentor the younger Jihad.
The biggest subtraction is the presence of Ben Chapman who moves to the outfield in 1931. Chapman (.276 14 66) enjoyed an outstanding freshman campaign at the hot corner but his job is taken over by the returning Willie Kamm (.230), who spent most of 1930 inactive. The shortstop position will be handled by the fiery Dick Bartell (.264 23SB) and
Footsie Blair (.256) should return for a full season at second base. Ski Melillo, Ossie Bluege and rookie Urbane Pickering are the reserves in an improved area for the Jihad from 1930.
Grade: B
OUTFIELD
Without question, the strongest area of the club. With the addition of Chapman to the outfield, the Jihad are posed with a dilemma; how to get five outstanding players into three outfield positions. With Chapman in center, Babe Herman (.308 21SB) must compete with Chick Hafey (.293 19 71) for a job in left. Similarly, management is very high on Earl Webb, who enjoyed an outstanding 1930 rookie season. With Webb (.309 13 46) in right, that leaves little room for Sam Rice. The 41-year old veteran enjoyed a renaissance in 1930 and led the DBS in batting for most of the season, finishing at .337. A trade here for some quality pitchers or a healthy third baseman would behoove the Jihad.
Grade: A
STARTING PITCHING
Management is hoping that 1930 #1 pick Lefty Gomez will return the Jihad to the Promised Land of the DBS. The young southpaw is ready to make his mark on the DBS after spending last season in the bushes. He is currently slated to be the team's #1 starter, replacing Bill Sherdel (14-7 3.14) who has been slow in recovering from a sore arm sustained last season. Supporting the young lefty will be veteran George Earnshaw. Earnshaw (9-18 5.34) has had a disappointing tenure in a Jihad uniform, but is hopeful for a rebound in 1931. Earl Whitehill also returns to the Jihad starting corps. Earl began the season quickly going 9-2, but he faded in the second half of the season, finishing 12-14. Rounding out the rotation are two pitchers acquired in the North Dallas trade, Bob Smith (3-8 6.20) and George Blaeholder (4-8 6.12). Both pitchers had frustrating careers in North Dallas and are hopeful that a change of scenery will reverse their fortunes.
Grade: B-
BULLPEN
The Jihad employs a bullpen by committee, usually sticking with whatever pitcher has the hot hand. The only problem was is that no one pitcher consistently had the hot hand. Sherdel will probably start the season in the pen as a long reliever. He will be complimented by Larry Benton (5 SV), Socks Seibold (6 SV) and Roy Sherid (6 SV) 41-year old Red Faber (8-10 4.42) and rookies Ivy Andrews (2-0 4.19 at AAA Morocco) and Allyn Stout (6-0 AAA) will also compete for the final bullpen slot. Garland Braxton and Hal Haid were released during the off-season.
Grade: C+
OUTLOOK
Sahara shook things up in a wild off-season acquiring six players with one to be named after this season is over. To say that the pressure is on these players to perform is understated. If the players produce the way management feels they can, if a trade can be made to relieve some of the pressure in the outfield and if Lefty Grove can carry an otherwise lackluster staff, the Jihad have the potential to make some noise in the Northeast division. However, weak pitching, especially among the starting rotation, will keep the Jihad from making a sustained run at the division title � a deficit too great to overcome to win this division.
PROGNOSIS: Third Place
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