NORTH DALLAS 40 1932 PREVIEW DRAFT I guess it is hard for a team like North Dallas to pick in a draft as thin as 1932. Bill Swift is a good pitcher, and Rip Sewell has potential own the road. Len Koenecke is a hitter, with off-field problems. Not a very noteworthy draft. Grade: B CATCHING Ernie Lombardi performed very well in his rookie season last year (.295 37 RBI), and although Rick Ferrell has yet to play well, these two make up a very tight catching corps. ferrell is very good with handling the pitchers. Grade: A- INFIELD Bill Terry is coming off a career year, where he hit .368 and lead the DBS in hits despite missing 4 weeks to an injury. Tony Cuccinello (.297 99 Runs) was outstanding in his rookie season. Luke Appling is expected to step in at shortstop, along with Johnny Burnett. Jimie Dykes is a capable, solid third baseman. Grade: A- OUTFIELD With the acquisition of Babe Ruth from the Knights, the 40 have a potent outfield. Ruth brings his 120 career home runs to an outfield that already has emerging star Mel Ott (.306 19 HR 93 RBI) and John Stone and Gee Walker. Chick Fullis (.326) is also in the picture. Grade: A- STARTING PITCHING Not a bad rotation at all, with Carl Hubbell, Ed Brandt, Charlie Root and Red Ruffing. However, all eyes are on Hubbell, who has yet to perform to his promise. Charlie Root has been very effective, and is the closest thing this team has to an ace. But Ruffing and Brandt have not been consistant yet. There are many possibilites for the remaing spot in the rotation. Grade: B BULLPEN The bullpen of North Dallas has no stars, but many capable and healthy young arms. Ben Cantwell is a very good stopper. Grade: B OUTLOOK This is the alleged culmination of the grand North Dallas scheme. Or so you'd be lead to believe. The team is very, very deep, yet also very flawed. They have minimal star power, especially on the mound. Yet, they can beat you in many ways. And as stated before, they have the talent to finally win a division. And they will. PROGNOSIS: First Place