Collins Refuses to Forecast First Place Position for Red Sox; Figures Them Potentially Strong

Eddie Collins, general manager of the Boston Red Sox, although reluctant to name the exact position his team would hold next year in the American League race, admitted that "any team aspiring towards the pennant must fight it out with the Red Sox."

This year, after one of the biggest deals in baseball history which brought Jimmy Foxx, Flit Cramer, Eric McNair, Johuny Marcum, and Heinie Manush to the local club, Collins finds himself at the head of a potential first place outfit.

Storng Prospects

"We have a very strong team on paper," he stated, "and all the new players, especially Foxx and Manush, were exceedingly glad to come to the Sox. That they are satisfied to be in Boston will help their playing and mean good performances from every one of them.

"As to how our new men will be placed on the team I can not say definitely, for we put entire faith in Manager Joe Cronin to arrange for fielding the best team.

"Our pitching staff should shape up very well, for Marcum will win plenty of games for us, as will Ostermeuller, who seems to have recovered fully from last year's injuries. With these two, and Grove and Ferrell we have four excellent starting pitchers. I also am keeping my eye on several newcomers who should fit in well as relief men."

"We are new perfectly satisfied with our present lineup,' he continued, "and there are no more deals in the offing nor is there any desire for other players. Of course," he added with a smile, "we wouldn't refuse a good player it he were thrust upon us."

Showing much interest in college baseball, Collins stated that his scouts constantly watch Harvard players of merit with the hope of finding someone like Charlie Devens, "who," he said, "had a great baseball career before him."