Joe Cronin, the only playing-manager in the American League, is still one of the outstanding shortstops in the majors. In his fourteenth American League season, Cronin still wields one of the most dangerous bats in the loop. and is one of the most aggressive defensive infielders. Last year, he batted only .285 but drove in 111 runs, hit 24 home runs, more than ever before in his career, and scored 104 runs himself. Only Lou Boudreau, of the Indians, took part in more double-plays than the Red Sox pilot. His 156 hits brought him into the charmed circle of 2000 or more hitsters with a total of 2027.