NORTH DALLAS 40 1933 PREVIEW
DRAFT
They got one of the best pitchers available, Schoolboy Rowe, who could make immediate impact. Hank Leiber is a
decent outfielding prospect. Phil Weintraub and Ray Prim will wind up being bodies on the bench. North Dallas
really has no immediate needs, so these guys add to the bench very well.
Grade: B+
CATCHING
The much-maligned Rick Ferrell has been tagged the starter over Ernie Lombardi. Ferrell hasn't done much to
justify his 3rd overall pick in 1929, so maybe this is the year. If not, Schnozz is more than capable.
Grade: B
INFIELD
Luke Appling is the key to the infield. He has played very poorly thus far, but the 40 management couldn't be
higher on him. He is matched up the middle with Charlie Gehringer, who must rebound from a pitiful 1932 to justify
the price North Dallas paid last year to get him. Manager Bill Terry still is productive at first, but his role
will be diminished as he gets older and must concentrate more on his managerial skills. Third base is the only
weakspot, with capable yet undertalented Sparky Adams getting the nod.
Grade: A-
OUTFIELD
An outfield with Mel Ott and Babe Ruth is a great way to start. Chick Fullis brings some speed into the line-up,
and John Stone, Bruce Campbell and Johnny Moore are capable back-ups.
Grade: A-
STARTING PITCHING
Carl Hubbell is finally becoming the pitcher he was reputed to be able to become. Hal Schumacher is ready for his
first full season with the club, and did not allow a run in spring training. Veteran Ben Cantwell also pitched extremely
well to make the rotation. Swift has also been impressive. The 40 have enough depth to maintain a powerful rotation
should one falter.
Grade: A
BULLPEN
The pen is where this team will be made or broke. Bobby Burke, George Pipgras and Waite Hoyt are all very experienced,
and should be able to handle whatever the starting corp hands them.
Grade: B+
OUTLOOK
The North Dallas 40 have finally built a team capable of winning the pennant. Had they made the Pepper Martin trade
with Harlem, they would have filled their last problem (third base AND a lead-off hitter). It's a pretty close toss-up
between this team and Montgomery, and one can expect a great pennant race even with St Louis, too. But it all
comes down to depth, and that is where North Dallas gets the edge.
PROGNOSIS: First Place
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