SAHARA JIHAD 1932 PREVIEW DRAFT The Sahara Jihad used their 1931 draft picks effectively. With their first round selection, they chose right-handed pitcher Monte Pearson, who has the looks of becoming a workhorse in the Jihad rotation. He will most likely need some time in the bushes and figure him to make in impact in 1933. The same can be said of infielder Skeeter Webb, taken with the second pick. Sahara took a pair of outfielders with their third and fourth round selections (Jo-Jo White and Kiddo Davis) and both may see some playing time this season. Davis could possibly be a late-round sleeper. Overall Sahara's draft was a good blend of addressing immediate needs and long-term concerns. Grade: B+ CATCHING Both Spud Davis and Gus Mancuso share the backstop responsibilities. Both are adequate if not unspectacular receivers, although Davis has shown a better bat. Davis, a career .282 DBS hitter, will most likely begin the season as the starter, as Mancuso failed when given an opportunity to play every day last season (.214 5 21). Jihad management are hoping that he can return to 1930 form (.328 19 73), but that may be a tall order. Grade: B INFIELD This is a serious area of concern for the Jihad. When Dick Bartell was injured last season, the Jihad were challenging for a division crown. Without the All-Star, Sahara wilted in the hot August sun. His leadership and bat (.247 10 42 16SB) were sorely missed. Ed Morgan (.285 13 44) must also be able return to his 1930 form, and should play every day now that Jim Bottomley (.239) is resigned to pinch-hitting. The second base position was shared by Ski Melillo (.235) and Footsie Blair (.219), although neither played consistently. Melillo will have the job to himself in 1932 as Blair has retired. Likewise, third base was also a problem as Willie Kamm (.234) struggled throughout the season. Rumors are that Ossie Bluege (.254) will be given the third base job this season, but so far he has had an inconsistent spring. Bartell's injury also exposed a glaring Sahara weakness, a lack of depth at the infield positions. Newcomer Jack Burns along with Hal Rhyne, Urban Pickering and Eddie Moore will all get chances to rectify that problem in 1932. Grade: C OUTFIELD The pride of Sahara. Ben Chapman has developed into an outstanding player and hitter (.295 17 51 12SB) continuing a tradition of excellent batsmen in the Sahara outfield. Chapman will be joined by Babe Herman (.288 24 SB), and most likely veteran Chick Hafey (17 HR 53 RBI). There is concern over Earl Webb's leg injury last season. Reports are that he is still not 100%. If Webb is able to return, (he was hitting .330 at the time of injury) Hafey will most likely return to the bench. Veteran Sam Rice (.297 DBS average) along with rookies White and Davis round out a strong group of outfielders. Grade: A STARTING PITCHING The performance of this group of men in 1931 was truly outstanding. The Jihad led the DBS in ERA last season (3.07). Veteran castaway Herb Pennock (14-7 2.33) was virtually un-hittable at times during the season, but can his 38-year old arm produce one more season of magic? George Blaeholder led the team with 15 wins, another surprise but it is unlikely he will sneak up on anybody this year. Rookie Lefty Gomez is the real deal (13-8 2.49) although he tired late last season. The rest of the rotation is rounded out by George Earnshaw (12-10) and Earl Whitehill (8-10). Heine Meine (10-11), the player to be named later in the 1930 blockbuster with North Dallas, may see some time starting should anybody falter. A strong group, but it would be unrealistic to expect them to repeat what they did in 1931. Grade: B+ BULLPEN The Sahara bullpen was also extremely effective in 1931. Led by stopper Socks Seibold (14 saves), the Jihad led the DBS in saves. Seibold was aided by set-up men Red Faber (3-2 1.73 2 SV), Bob Smith (2.91 2SV) and Allyn Stout (4-3 3 SV). Blaeholder also starred in that role (7 SV) before being moved to the rotation in early-May. Larry Benton (7-10 2.77) should also see some action out of the pen now that Bill Sherdel (2-2 3.02 5 SV) has retired. A successful year in 1931 has given this group the confidence to close games as well as knowledge of their individual roles. The Jihad pen is a classic example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Grade: A- OUTLOOK The Jihad's run at the division title last season was one of the best DBS stories in years. They stymied fans and writers alike with their incredible challenge to the eventual World Champions. However, Sahara caught lightning in a bottle last year and everything fell into place. This year, however, they will be taken more seriously and the weaknesses in their infield and starting lineup will be exposed. Likewise, it is a lot to expect another 1931 from their rotation. While it is possible that Sahara can shock the world once more, the rest of the division has gotten better. PROGNOSIS: Fourth Place