'TilE -MICHIGAN-DMILY Pitching Is Major Problem Facing '1'Baseball Squad 7- BUy HERB RUSI([N Michigan's battery prospects for the 1948 season appear to be one of the major problems facing Coach Ray Fisher. Although the catching depart- ment has been strengthened by the return to action of Bob Chap- puis, the pitching staff has been weakened by the loss of last year's star hurler, Cliff Wise. Wise Responsible Wise was chiefly responsible among the pitchers for Michigan's high place in the final Western Conference standings, and his graduation puts the burden on five or six men with only one sea- son's experience. Bud Rankin, who is in his sec- ond year with the Wolverines was Fisher's second hurler last season and can be counted on to assume his share of the pitching burden. Others in this category include Bob Hicks, Bob Fancett and Art Dole. Hicks is one of the most im- proved hurlers on this year's team. He has developed a sharp curve and has a good fast ball. Faneett Potential Star. Fancett is another potential- ly fine moundsman. He came, to the team last year with a terrific fastball, but his chief drawback was a tendency to be wild. How- ever, he has notscome around to shape so far this year. Dole may be best remembered for his string of 35 scoreless in- nings turned in last year. His forte is control and a nice curve ball. In addition to these, Pat Mor- rison who saw action with the Wolverine mound corps during the war and who has returned from service will probably see quite a bit of action during the coming campaign. He is a right hander with a wide variety of pitches. Taft, Promising Continuing the pitching list is Bill Taft, tall right hander, who showed quite a bit of promise with last year's freshman outfit. Of the newcomers, Coach Fisher said that Ed Grenkowski and Ber- nie Meilin have shown the most in practice, but that both are green. Besides Chappuis, Michigan's catchers are as strong as last year. This is the one department that was not hit by graduation and has two veteran backstoppers ready for action. They are John Kulpinski and Hal Raymond, who shared the receiving duties last season. Also available is Walter Hancook who is in his second year with the squad. Oakland Shaded By Denver Cage rs NEW YORK, March 27-(Al)- Denver's towering Nuggets shot their way into the semi-finals of the U.S. Olympic basketball try- outs today with a 57-55 triumph over the Oakland Bittners at Madison Square Garden. It was the eighth meeting of the season between the two AAU teams from the American Basket- ball League and the sixth straight Re nirew Ne w Puck Ca phin Al Renfrew, left wing on the 1948 national .championship hockey team, was elected by the playcrs yesterday as captain of next year's squad. Renfrew, who for the grcater :art of the seasan played with Gordie McMil