The Washington times., 1895-02-17

There IS much talk concerning the refusal
OF Joyce and Mercer signing with the home
team. Already the argument is made that
Joyce is not needed, and some very unkind
things are sald about the ''sorappy'' third
baseman No one can deny the playing abIl-
ity of joyce. and rs q captain he was great
he q 10 the home team last season. His work
in this direction was far more ardUous than
the captaincy OF any other team in the league.
In the first place he had practically new
nine 10 handle and while he gained valuable
assistance from Manager SchmelZ. be never
fheiess showed himself ably fitted for the po-
sition Having exhibited marked cieverness
with lot Of youngsters, a big Improvement
can reasonably be expected In a second sea-
son with the same men. Ii is certainly not
right to make war on him now and decry his
actions in holding out for what he says, and
il has not been denied, was promised him.
Joyee is no experiment at third base and it
is safe to say that the patrons OF the game in
Washington are more or less Uired OF seeing
experimental operations in ball team. He
is entitled TO an advance when he signed
a provisional contract in 1884 as TO an in
crease in salary in 1895. He is a hard worker,
and is keen in Judgment as TO the fine points
in the game.
Mercer. too. is being criticised for his re-
fJsel TO sign a contract, and not a few cranks
seem 10 think that because the club has
number Of pitchers II can do without the
youngster Certainly this position is not
tenable. Mercer has had one years expert
ence, and the Washington team needs him.
True, his work mas been praised. but it de-
served ii, and il is doubtful If the ilattery be-
slowed Turned his head. The young twirler
Is simply rating himself with pitchers OF other
clubs who have succeeded IN their Work and
received an increase.
The Washington management made money
last wear for no oiher reason than that II tried
TO please the patrons. and presuming that it
has desire to continue in a similar financial
channel next year il is even money that Mercer
aud Joyce will Rear the garb that mas been
selected for the Senators.
The Chicago correspondent Of the Sporting
Life. w. A. Phelon. jr.. INDUCES in little bit
of witat the expense OF the Senators. Read
what he says:
speaking of Sehmelz's team, by the way,
reminds me that hig JantZen has opened a
book In which bets are registered as TO who
will be Washington's second baseman. jim
Hart says Nicholson, Anson backs Crooks,
and Bobby Caruthers boldly says that Crooks
is the best of the candidates and Nicholson
the worst.
Here's line for your Washington corre-
spondent. Betting-Crooks, 8 to 5; House
man, even money: Nicholson, 5to 81
JRntzen is entitled to much consideration
for the interest he takes in the makeup of the
Senators. and if his book is well PLAYED the
big cRtcher's Louisville salary might be used
up in paying of the favorite's tickets.
Crooks has been a great infelder and is
one OF the neryiest players in the business.
marked silence reigns among the League
magnates relative 10 the reinstatement of
Pfeher President Stuckey. of the Louis
Tilles, who has first claim on the great second
baseman, is willing. but who else? 1t begins
to lock as if it viii be Fritz in Ireland" the
coming season. But the game will go on just
the same. So the magnates muse.