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........ Herald Sports Editor — ..Pirates' Acquisition of Nelson Termed ‘Good Gamble* bv Browndm-’“I don't know what they have n mind for me, Nelson confided ifter working at first in the pretame infield drill, vest and hope.Manager Danny Murtaugh con-that Dick Stuart, who sparkl'd the Pirates in their second hall in 1958, is “our incumbent first But we've got a couple of who can hit in Nelson andTed Kluaiewski.NELSON Nelson, who has contended he’snever been given a real chance to stick in the majors,will get it this time. The Pirates figure him as a good defensive first baseman late in the game, plus which he could help in the outfield and pinch hit. In 1958, Nelson sTAMPA — Rivals laughed last winter when Pirat*Brow* paid the $25,000 draft prlc« for Toronto’s Rocky Nelson.I may be laughing back athem, said Brown, who thinks hlt;made a good gamble on Nelson although the latter failed in six previous major league tryouts. Lastyear Rocky led the International ir six different departments and was named the league's most valuable player.“If we turn Nelson bark anytime during the season, we’ll be refunded half of the draft price.*' Brown explained. We’d be happiei f Rocky sticks with us.MURTAUGHDope on the PiratesI Manager — Danny Murtaugh, succeeded BobbyI Bragan in 1957,I 1958 Record — W-84, L-70, finished second, eightI games behind Milwaukee.I Outlook — Stronger pitching needed. Much dependsI on Dick Stuart s bat Team gave up power in tradesI for balance.I Catchers — Smoky Burgess (.238), Hank FolletI (.2051, Danny Kravlta (.240*.I Infield — Dick Stuart. Salt I.ake City ( 311), Pi-I rates ( 268i or Ted Kluaiewakl ( 292) IB; Bill Mareroakt1 (.275) 2B; Dick Groat (.300) SS, Don Hoak, RedsI 1.261) 3B.I Outfield — Boh Skinner (3211 LF; Roberto Clemente 1.2891 RF. Bill Vlrdon ( 267) CF.I Pitchers — Bob Friend (22-141, Vern Law (14-12),I George Witt (9-2t, Ron Kline (13-16 , Harvey Haddlv,I Reds «8-7, bullpen Elroy Face (5-2\ Boh PorterfieldI (4-6), Bob Smith 2-2', Bennie Daniels lt;14-6 Columbus.leadership in the International included 43 home runs,120 RBIs and a .326 batting average.Before an exhibition game. Murtaugh said he considered Stuart improved to the point where he is almost ofaverage big league defensive ability.Later in the exhibition. Stuart made three errors in one inning—two of the same play hy booting a throwto first and then tossing wild to the plate.* * ★W hy Stuart Is Highly RegardedTHE PIRATES are tolerant about such things. They consider Stuart, who hit 16 home run* last season, the man who could put them into pennant contention. Dick is one of baseball's more controversial figures, but he swings a mean bat and he s mellowed.One of the reporter* went to talk with Stuart, between hla batting turns, and came hack to report, About ail Dick said was that he talked too much two years ago. Now he'» letting his bat speak for him.When Stuart joined the Pirates last July from Salt Lake City, where he was leading the Pacific Coast League in home runs, the Pirates were in seventh place. Despite playing less than half the season, he hit for the circuit in every park.* * *Secret of Pirates' DriveMANAGER MURTAUGH. who thinks he has a better balanced club than in 1958 despite giving up power in trading Frank Thomas to the Reds, was asked the secret of the come back.Elimination of mistakes.” said Murtaugh. We made few mental errors in the last half of the season. The player* realized they were capable of playing good baseball. They had the potentials all of the time.”Murtaugh grinned when asked if he thinks the Pirates can take it all this year, explaining, That remains to be seen. I never make predictions. It'll be a tough race, because most every' club has a couple of pitchers who can shut you out when they’re having a good day. That’s why there are so few winning streaks in our league.”* * *Team Revamped for Forbes FieldMURTAUGH CONCEDED he had sacrificed power for balance and a good defense. Two Reds obtained in the Thomas deal—Catcher Smoky Burgess and Third Baseman Don Hoak will see regular duty. The Piratesare counting on Southpaw Harvey Haddix winning at least15 games.Our pitching should he lots better, said Murtaugh, who is counting on another big year from Bob Friend, the 22-game winner.The Pirates wnn 30 of their last 36 games at ForbesField, with an overall home record of 49-28.* * ★Skinner to Bid for Crown%THE PIRATES think that Bob Skinner, who batted .321 last season, is a potential league leader in hitting.From the power standpoint, they are encouraged by Klusrewski’s recovery from his back ailmentHe's been putting on a show for spectators at our apnng practices. said Murtaugh. The other day he hitfour out of five pitches over the fence. __
Newspaper Details
Miami Herald
Miami, Florida, US
Thu, Mar 12, 1959
Page 37
Full Page
Clipped by
William R.
CT, USA 01 Nov 2018
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