SAHARA JIHAD 1933 PREVIEW
32 RECAP
After two straight years of finishing second in the NorthEast division, the Jihad took a step backwards in 1933,
finishing in last place with their worst record since 1929. Several key veterans did not perform as in years past
and several more young players failed to live up to their potential. All things considered, it was a disappointing
summer in the desert.
DRAFT
Sahara claimed a prized hurler with their first pick, Thornton Lee, but he is not expected to pay immediate
dividends. Nor will second baseman Burgess Whitehead, but he is projected to fill a traditional Jihad weak spot
at least by 1934. Roy Henshaw, Mickey Haslin and Les Tietje should fill out the roster as role players who can
be effective when used properly. No one selected, however, will improve Sahara's 1933 fortunes.
Grade: B
CATCHING
Spud Davis (.293 13 58) led the DBS in hitting in 1932 and gives Bill Dickey a challenge as top receiver in the
division. Gus Mancuso, who hardly saw any action last season, will back up Davis. Mancuso is a durable, smart
catcher who could start on most teams.
Grade: A-
INFIELD
The area of most concern for Sahara. With the exception of shortstop, there are question marks at each position.
Two-time All-Star Dick Bartell (.250 9 37) is the only lock and is the spiritual leader of the Jihad. At first
base, veterans Jim Bottomley (.262) and Ed Morgan (.224) will try to pry the position away from 1932 starter
Jack Burns (.264 8 50). Second base is manned by the returning Ski Melillo (.214 5 33) simply because Sahara
lacks depth their as Whitehead is being groomed. Willie Kamm (.232 11 46) and Ossie Bluege (.333 0 2) will
battle it out for the third sacker position, but this group is one of the lightest hitting in the DBS
Grade: C-
OUTFIELD
As this group goes, so does the Sahara offense. Babe Herman (.288 12 48) is the team catalyst and he looks to
improve his numbers in 1933. Ben Chapman (.236 8 45) is also coming off a disappointing season, but will
handle the duties in center. Chick Hafey's strong spring training has Sahara management considering his
return to the lineup despite the strong 1932 performance of rookie Kiddo Davis (.245 14 78). Rookie Jo-Jo
White and old pro Sam Rice (.308 3 16) round out a fine collection of outfielders.
Grade: B+
STARTING PITCHING
This group has the potential to be outstanding, but they have shown that potential individually, not
collectively. Staff ace Lefty Gomez (10-14 2.58) had a somewhat disappointing season in 1932, despite
pitching the first perfect game in DBS history. Jihad management is counting on him to improve his
win-loss ledger. Southpaw Earl Whitehill (10-12 3.43) has shown flashes of brilliance, and insiders
insist that this is the year he will finally put it all together. Heine Meine (15-10 2.77) emerged as
the staff workhorse and top winner last season and ended many Jihad losing streaks. George Blaeholder
(10-16 4.05) has been a pleasant surprise during his Jihad tenure. Veterans George Earnshaw (12-11 3.10)
and Larry Benton (6-7 2.75) have been competing for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Grade: B
BULLPEN
Former closer Jack Russell returns to the Jihad healthy after a career-threatening injury in 1931.
He is eager to return as the top man in the Sahara bullpen and should his comeback be successful, he
will bolster an already strong Jihad relief corps. Ivy Andrews (6-2 2.36 9 SV) pitched very well in
the closer role last season and will serve as Russell's setup man. Veterans Red Faber (2-3 2.45 2 SV)
and Herb Pennock (1-1 4.17) have the guile to escape many tense situations and Bob Smith has been effective
either in long relief or spot assignments. Monte Pearson has a blazing fastball, but may be seasoned another
year in the bushes.
Grade: B
OUTLOOK
The Sahara Jihad can be excellent in spots, but they did not add anyone in the off-season to dramatically
improve their situation. The return of Jack Russell will bolster the pitching staff, but the offense was not
upgraded accordingly. It will be a tall order to have the pitching staff win many close games, simply because
the Jihad cannot hit as well as they can pitch. They will truly test the theory that good pitching beats good
hitting in 1933.
PROGNOSIS: Fourth Place
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