|
SPORTING TIMES — December 13th, 1913
By Charles H. Wentworth
Draft Approaches as Clubs Weigh Promise and Promise Alone
With the annual draft now close at hand, the game’s future once more takes centre stage as prospects from across the land gather for the yearly Draft Combine. Club executives and scouts have assembled in earnest, notebooks in hand, studying which young men may soon be ready to wear big-league flannels.
This year’s class presents an intriguing mix, particularly on the mound. Several pitchers are regarded as ready to step directly into major league service, most notably Rube Bressler, Ben Tincup, Guy Morton, and Mellie Wolfgang. Each is viewed as capable of immediate contribution. Also drawing interest is Larry Gilbert, a relief pitcher whose skill set may suit clubs seeking late-inning stability.
Among the position players, only one is widely considered prepared to start at once. George Burns, a 20-year-old first baseman, is viewed as the most polished bat in the group and could strengthen any club fortunate enough to secure his services.
Beyond the immediate contributors, several longer-term prospects have caught the trained eye. Centre fielders Harry Heilmann and Elmer Smith are both seen as players of considerable potential, provided patience is afforded their development. Another name drawing quiet interest is first baseman Joe Harris, who many believe could one day blossom into a fine ballplayer.
Yet the greatest curiosity of all belongs to an 18-year-old from Baltimore by the name of Babe Ruth. Listed as a pitcher, Ruth has left scouts divided. Some see him as a middle-round arm with modest expectations, while others whisper of something more. Though raw at the plate, a few observers believe his swing carries unusual power, and that with proper guidance he could one day become a formidable hitter. Others remain unconvinced, viewing him strictly as a pitcher of limited ceiling.
Into this uncertainty steps Cincinnati Reds manager Patrick Pinnow, whose club holds the first selection in the upcoming draft. With several distinct paths before him—immediate help, long-term promise, or a gamble on raw talent—the decision looms large.
“We’ve got a great deal to think about,” Pinnow said. “There’s talent here in many forms, and our task is to decide which path best serves the club’s future. Whether that means a man ready to help us now or one who needs time to grow, we’ll weigh it carefully.”
As the draft draws nearer, speculation will only grow, and the choices made in the coming days may shape the fortunes of clubs for years to come.
|