MONTGOMERY BURNS 1932 PREVIEW



DRAFT
Tex Carleton is a good pitchingprospect, although he has been known to be a hot-head. Elsewhere, the Burns started plugging in at weaknesses, with the selection of infielders Bill Brubaker, Frankie Crosetti and catcher Al Todd. No one noteworthy, but still some good role-players. 
Grade: B


CATCHING
Mickey Cochrane dropped off seriously in the second half of last season, his average plummeting 87 points from the previous season. Hopefully, he will rebound into the leader he once was. Hargrave and and Heving are capable back-ups.. 

Grade: A-


INFIELD
The infield is going through changes, as the veterans age and begin to make way for the youngsters. Pie Traynor, 
32, still has capable hands at the hot corner. Dale Alexander and Ripper Collins should make a good platoon at 
first, but up the middle is the weakness. Tony Piet played fairly well in his 133 rookie at-bats. Who will be 
shortstop? Most likely Woodie English, but he only hit .261 last year. And thin on back-ups, which would explain 
the signing of 40-year old Rabbit Maranville, who was with Hattiesburg last year. 

Grade: C+


OUTFIELD
The Waner boys are back again, although last year Lloyd was set aside by a bad shoulder. Heinie Manush has never 
repeated his 1928 season, but is still can be a fine hitter. Rogers Hornsby (.322 20 hr 87 rbi) has forsaken 
second base for the outfield, and at 36 might be nearing the end. Hopefully, Evar Swanson and Smead Jolley 
can step in to help the veterans. 

Grade: B+


STARTING PITCHING
Montgomery still has good pitching. Pat Malone (16-9 2.85) is still one of the premier pitchers in the league, 
and Wes Ferrell (10-14 3.92) rebounded very well after a horrible start in 1931. Rookie Tommy Bridges is 
expected to make the rotation, as is veteran Willis Hudlin. Maybe even Tex Carleton, too. But the main 
question is, is this team strong enough to compete with St Louis and North Dallas? 

Grade: B+


BULLPEN
Fred Marberry is now in the bullpen, and so is southpaw bullpen ace Fred Heimach has returned (30 career saves). 
But again, there are some holes that need to be filled in case these two falter. Syl Johnson and Vic 
Frazier will be called on, and Jesse Haines is getting too old. 
Grade: B-


OUTLOOK
Montgomery is markedly weaker than last year's pennant winning team, despite essentially the same personnel. 
And as St Louis and North Dallas have become the top teams, it will take a great run from the Burns to 
take the title. Not that that is out of the realm of possibility. Just very difficult. 
PROGNOSIS: Third Place 


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