[lumberjack]

They all have something to offer.
Creamer is a most graceful writer AND he had the advantage of talking to Ford Frick, Ernie Shore, Hoyt, Dugan and Shawkey, among others. Primary sources, that's what it's all about.
The Smelser book covers EVERYTHING (excuse me for shouting, again), which is perfect if you want this storehouse of knowledge.
Montville came long after Creamer, and may inject himself, subtilely, into the work. If you read Creamer and Montville, who didn't have access to the old guys, it wouldn't be a bad thing.
Jane Leavy. Her book is supposed to come out about now. There is a short interview with her in Smithsonian.com. This is good place to get her perspective. Her Mantle book is a treat, although I know casual fans who actually didn't want to read her 20 page chapter on Mantle's tape measure shot at Griffith Stadium in '53. I would read anything written by Jane Leavy.
There you go.
lumberjack