Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 143, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 July 1917 — PHILLIES LOOK GOOD TO MANAGER MORAN [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PHILLIES LOOK GOOD TO MANAGER MORAN

Pat Moran is confident that his Phlllies will capture the pennant this year, although Pat does hot say so in as many words. Moran’s men are in excellent shape and start the season in as good a condition as any other compilation, in Mr. Tener’s circuit. .. ' The team started with the pitching staff composed of Alexander, Rixey, Lavender, Mayer, Oeschger, Flttery and Fortune. Besides Lavender, this means that only Fittery and Fortune, of the young pitchers, have won the complete confidence of Moran. The Phil boss will probably attach strings to all of the pitchers who may make a good showing and are likely to be of service in case of accident. Moran’s outfield problems have not been settled. The illness of Walker, who was unable to get in uniform for several days because of tonsil trouble, was a blow to Moran. Ernie looks like

a hard hitter and a brilliant chaser of fly balls, but illness has kept him off the field and he has lost invaluable hours of drilling. Captain Luderus is in prime condition and getting his hits in every game. He should be the same dependable clean-up man that he was a year ago. Bancroft has been covering short with his usual dash and brilliance. Byrne has been playing his accustomed safe and sane game at third. Paskert is just as good as he ever was, and Cooper, who will start the season in right field, is hitting the ball hard. A few base hits in Philadelphia will cause quiet Claude to gain the confidence of the fans. With Moran’s unsettled outfield, it is going to be difficult to keep Cravath on the bench as a pinch hitter, as Moran had planned to do. Killefer, Burns and Adams will do the catching again.

MAINSTAYS OF PHILADELPHIA NATIONAL TEAM.