SAHARA JIHAD 1929 PREIVEW

The Jihad are the reigning division champions, but last year was most likely their only shot at paydirt for a while. 
Whereas their pitching staff was the best in the league last year, it is highly doubtful for a return performance. 

DRAFT
Johnny Morrison was the first round pick, but does not figure in to the long-term plans. Socks Seibold is 32, 
and the rest were just stop-gaps until the next draft. 
Grade: C-


CATCHING
Catching was a weak spot last year, and this year is no different, although it is expected that Moe Berg will 
tend to the duties, with Muddy Ruel in back up. 
Grade: C+


INFIELD
Third baseman Willie Kamm was a pleasant surprise last season, hitting .319 with 105 runs scored and 20 stolen 
bases. Jim Bottomley will return at first following his 15 hr, 101 rbi season. The middle of the infield could 
be somewhat stable, with 21 year old Dick Bartell expected to start at short. Oscar "Ski" Mellilo is expected 
to be the starting second baseman. However, there is no one to really back them up should they get hurt or fail 
to perform. 
Grade: B-


OUTFIELD
The DBS is full of good outfields, and this could be the best. Babe Herman (.303, 93 rbi), Sam Rice 
(.307, 19 sb, 91 runs) and Chick Hafey (.322, 109 rbi, 60 doubles). With Andy Reese and Doug Taitt behind them, 
this is the pride of the desert. 
Grade: A


STARTING PITCHING
This WAS the pride of the desert. But off-season surgery, injuries and bad luck do not bear well for what was 
the best staff in the league. Both Waite Hoyt and Larry Benton had surgery, and Herb Pennock turned 35. Bill 
Sherdel, last year's first round pick, never lived up to his promise and will probably ride in the bullpen. 
It will be up to George Earnshaw and Earl Whitehill to carry this staff. 
Grade: B-


BULLPEN
Two Jacks and an ace. Jack Scott lead the team with 12 saves, and Jack Russell was effective in 25 games. Hal 
Haid is the projected ace of the pen, but beyond that, who knows. 
Grade: C+


OUTLOOK
They went for it all last year, and came up just short. This will be the beginning of a rebuilding process, but 
there is still enough talent to make things interesting. 
PROGNOSIS: Third Place