FREMONT FURTRADERS 1932 PREVIEW


DRAFT
With the number one overall pick, Fremont selected shortstop Arky Vaughn. Vaughn is an impact player and should 
solidify the position and the Furtrader lineup immediately. He should be an offensive force for years to come. 
Also making waves in the Fremont camp is pitcher Merritt Patrick Cain, who insists on being called “Suga.” He is 
expected to start 1932 in the bullpen. Two long-range prospects, outfielder Frank Demaree has five tool skills 
and pitcher Jimmie DeShong can be a very effective starter. While Vaughn was a can't miss selection, the remainder 
of the Fremont picks were fairly solid. 
Grade: A


CATCHING
The Furtraders are blessed with three excellent backstops. The starter is veteran Shanty Hogan (.285 10 62), an 
institution in Fremont. Should he falter or his weight become a problem, Al Lopez or Al Spohrer can step right in. 
Both receivers can handle themselves with the bat and are good handlers of the pitching staff. Overall, an 
unheralded group of players. 
Grade: B+


INFIELD
A trade on the eve of the 1932 season saw All-Star second baseman Charlie Gehringer traded to North Dallas. 
Replacing him will be Tony Cuccinello (.296 6 48 14 SB). While “Cooch” may not have Gehringer's power, he does 
hit for high average has good speed and is an excellent fielder. Fremont is hopeful that first baseman Lou 
Gehrig (.243 21 84) will return to his “even-year” form of 1928 and 1930. Should that occur, the Fremont 
lineup could be devastating. The left side of the infield will consist of rookie Vaughn at short and 1931 
surprise Johnny Vergez at third (.256 13 55 27 SB). The reserves included Mark Koeing (.249), Glenn Wright (.116), 
Harvey Hendrick (.197) and Jackie Hayes (3 for 3 1.000), also acquired from North Dallas. Even with the trade 
of Gehringer, this infield is one of the best in the DBS. 
Grade: A-


OUTFIELD
The Fremont outfield is an interesting collection of ballplayers. Gee Walker, acquired from North Dallas 
in the Gehringer trade, brings tremendous promise with him from Texas and will be the leadoff hitter and 
left fielder. He joins incumbents Wally Berger (.296 14 24) and Earl Averill (.274 19 75) as starters. 
Expect Averill to have an outstanding year in 1932. Backups include George Watkins (.324 DBS average), 
Danny Taylor (.219) and Lance Richbourg (.304 DBS career). Questions abound about Walker's DBS readiness, 
but Berger and Averill are the real deal. 
Grade: B+


STARTING PITCHING
The Gehringer trade helped the Fremont starting rotation more than any other part of the team. A suspect 
group earlier in the spring, the staff is bolstered by the addition of right-hander Charlie Root (14-10 3.74) 
and lefty Ed Brandt (12-15 4.88). Both men bring durable arms to the Fremont rotation and will have an 
immediate impact. They provide depth to a pitching staff that sorely needed it. Root and Brandt will be 
joined in the starting rotation by Rube Walberg (11-12 3.35), and veteran Dazzy Vance (6-14 4.45). The 
overhaul by Fremont management has put the team in a position to challenge for the division title thanks 
to experienced, durable starting pitchers. 
Grade: A-


BULLPEN
Fortunately, the trade also allowed Fremont to move some pitchers into the bullpen that otherwise would 
have been rushed to the starting rotation. Case in point is Paul Derringer (11-13 4.67) who was baptized 
under fire last season. Likewise, left-hander Chief Hogsett (2-2 4.44) can sharpen his skills by serving 
another apprenticeship in the bullpen and spot starting. Closer Rip Collins (7-7 3.53 11 SV) has retired 
so these extra arms will help support the loss. Dick Coffman (6-5 3.24 8 SV), Glenn Spencer (4-7 3.63 8SV) 
and ageless Jack Quinn (1-3 1.80 6 SV) will resume their roles as one of the best set-up trios in the DBS. 
However, will the loss of a reliable closer such as Collins be too much to overcome? 
Grade: B+


OUTLOOK
The trade that brought five players to Fremont along with some shrewd drafting has put the Furtraders in an 
immediate position to contend. Although success was predicted for them last year, they flopped. This season, 
they have better pitching and one of the, if not the best lineup in the league. If Lou Gehrig can return to 
form and the new pitchers stay healthy (both of which are more likely than not), the Furtraders will be 
interesting all season. Fremont has depth for the first time and are covered at each position. However, 
they have shown a tendency in the past to underachieve, and in a division with the World Champs, that mistake 
cannot be afforded. Fremont should make things interesting in 1932. 
PROGNOSIS: Second Place