Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-15
May Buy Any or All the Washington
Players.
TALK OF The BASE BALE MAGNATES
Better Prospects for anlEight-C Club
League.
SPORTING NEWS
'ecial Dispatch to The Evening Star.

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star
NEW YORK, December 15.-As nearly as
]. Earl Wagner can be induced to say
anything positive about the Washington
nine, 1t appears that James A. Hart, presi-
dent of the Chicago club, has an option
on all or any of the Washington players in
case it comes to an actual sale of the Wash
ington team. Should the league conclude
to purchase the Washington franchise it
would not, therefore, give up big lump
sum for the property, but only such an
amount as corresponded to the difference
between the price asked and the amount
contributed by Chicago. In the face of this
option the Philadelphia management is
seeking to come to some sort Of an under
standing whereby Philadelphia may get
Dineen, Slagle and Mercer. The latter
would be placed on first base for the Phil
lies and Slagle would be used as an emer-
gency outfelder. Now, in addition to all
these propositions, the league and Mr..
Wagner are further assured that the new
American Association stands ready to buy
the Washington franchise IL guaranteed
protection. OF course, the new organiza-
ton would get nothing Of the kind so long
as it contemplated putting two clubs in one
city.
The general impression among the mag
mates Is that Wagner is about fortu-
nately fixed any of them If the twelve
club league goes on next year he will be
able to sell some of his players, and may
make a little money. If 1t is reduced he is
sure to get every cent OF what he considers
fair price for the property.
Baltimore Causes the Only Hitch.
Very, very early this morning one Of the
magnates was met up town, after long
season of refreshment and entertainment,
where he had been the guest of the New
York clubs president. Being DESTROYS of
talking, he soon had an audience He ad-
mitted that the prospects for an eight-club
circuit were better than they had been
much better. in fact.
1.-The only hitch" said he "is in regard
to the Baltimore club, and it depends large
ly upon the price asked by that organiza-
ton as to whether We can cut down the
circuit I am told that the New York club
stands willing to take a great many Balti-
more players at good price off the hands
of the present management, II 1t will con-
sent to SELL
1.-The next question to be considered is
that of possible profit to. the Baltimore
club of the next two years. Baltimore was
one of the few clubs THAT made money last
year and naturally the management expects
to do as well or better in the two years still
remaining for the present league to operate
In making any estimate. therefore, on the
value Of the property the question OF pos
s:ble profit cuts as much figure as actual
assets.
Boston Changing Front.
1.-THE Boston club has saitd that it will not
pay a penny toward purchasing the fran
chise Of any club, and yet am told that
Mr. Soden, realizing that his loss in Louis
VILE and Cleveland would be equivalent to
a certain sum during the year. is willing
to contribute that estimated loss to bring
about a change that might be for the bet
ter. On the whole, the prospects Tor an
eight-club league are better than trey
were. 1t Is still a matter that needs care
full study and a great deal OF diplomatic
persuasion to bring into effect
Brooklyn to Get Wrigley.
The threatened trouble between Brooklyn
and the league will not develop. While
Wrigley undoubtedly will be sent to Brook
Ign next year. under the terms of his pur-
chase from the Syracuse club last season,
the Brooklyns will be fined little and lee
tured great deal for taking him from the
New York club during the playing season,
since the league takes the stand that when
a player has finished his season with
league he Is at liberty to dispose of his ser
vices as he sees fit during the remainder OF
the year in question.
An amendment to the national agreement
will so alter the rules that there will be no
further trouble over breaks Of this kind.
1t would not be surprising II the mag
mates, for the first time in many years, re-
manned In session over Sunday. it looks
little that way today, as they are anxious
to get some kind of a start either for a re-
duced circuit or the same old round another