HARLEM KNIGHTS 1929 PREIVEW The Knights are a young team (average age 26 yrs, 3 mos) , with a group of core players who are maturing at the same time. Most people around the league see this team as the team to beat this season, despite finishing only a game away from the worst record in the league last year. DRAFT The Knights selections of southpaw Larry French, as well as lefthanders Al Grabowski and Fred Stiely, bolster an already strong staff. Outfielder Roy Johnson should bring speed to a pokey outfield, and Doc Cramer is an excellent outfielding prospect years from now. Bernie James is to back up Buddy Myer at second, and Sam Leslie should provide some punch at first, although he may need some time to mature. The Knights did well in a thin draft in addressing both future needs and immediate concerns. Grade: A- CATCHING A team cannot be more high on a prospect like Harlem is on Bill Dickey. Dickey, 22, was 0 for 6 in limited action last season, but has shown an excellent hitting eye as well as a very strong arm. Johnny Gooch and Rollie Helmsley also return, but in a more limited role. The Knights also signed Bob O'Farrell in the off-season. O'Farrell was the NL MVP just three seasons ago, and at age 32 is expected to help Dickey as well as aid with the development of some of the young pitchers. A lot depends on Dickey and his promise. Grade: B INFIELD The weakest part of the Knights game is the infield. Don Hurst provides some power at first base, and Joe Cronin and Rabbit Maranville should continue to platoon at shortstop, as Cronin, at 22, still needs some seasoning. The big gamble is Buddy Myer. Myer, after hitting .323 last season, is moving from third base to second to take over for Carl Lind, who was let go despite a solid season. Third base will be handled by Les Bell, who is iffy at best. He has shown he can hit, but can play day-in and day-out? Grade: C OUTFIELD With the additon of Roy Johnson, who brings badly needed speed to the Knight, the outfield should shine this year with Lefty O'Doul, Carl Reynolds and Chuck Klein. Along with Sam West, Mule Haas and Jack Rothrock, the outfield again is deep, and solid. Grade: A- STARTING PITCHING Depending on who gets starting duties this year. Many are capable starters. The rotation will definitely contain Lefty Grove (18-8 3.02), Red Lucas (12-14 3.98), and Fred Fitzsimmons (11-14 4.17). The other spots are up to General Crowder, Bill Walker, Watty Clark or Tom Zachary. The staff is deep, with nine left-handers. In a league thin of pitching, this is the cream of the crop. Grade: A BULLPEN Whoever doesn't make the rotation gets the bullpen, which is a sign of how strong things will be in the late innings. The additions of Grabowski, as well as Milt Gaston and Dutch Henry, bolster the place where many things went wrong last season. Danny MacFayden was the ace last season (13 saves) but actually could find his way into the rotation. Grade: A- OUTLOOK Unless a slew of injuries stop them, or a total collapse of the pitching staff, there should be no reason why the Harlem Knights won't be on the field when the last out is made in the 1929 season. PROGNOSIS: First Place