Spokane Preview

Spokane Given Slim Chance To Win WIL
BY PETE HAYES
United Press Sports Writer
SPOKANE, April 12 (UP)— “Stick with the champion” is the sports saying known so well. But in the case of the Spokane Indians of the Western International baseball league, a number of factors seem to deny the time-honored adage.
Six of the mainstays of last year's pennant-winning squad have either been sold, released or asked to be retired. And Manager Jim Brillheart is having a tough time getting replacements to fill their shoes.
The Spokane boss was particularly high on his rookies and indicated several would be in his starting lineup when Spokane opens the season at Vancouver, B. C., April 21.
Brillheart named Paul Zaby, 23, up from Vicksburg, Miss., as his best looking rookie. “He's fast, has a good arm and can hit,” he said. Brillheart picked Lee Howard, New Orleans, as another promising youngster. Howard is on a “look-see” basis and reportedly can pitch, play first base, the outfield and pinch-hit.
Brillheart disclosed that Tuck Stainback, former major league star, “has a sore arm but we now expect him to be a regular outfielder.”
Catching chores will be handled by Joe Rossi, 1948 holdover, and Bill Sheets, up from Hollywood.