Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-02
Washington Players Notified to Be
Here.
TRAINING QUARTERS IN TEE SOUTH
Mr.. Wagner's Reason for Not
Getting Joe Kelley.
CURRENT SPORTING NEWS

]. Earl Wagner of the Washington club
arrived in this city late yesterday after
noon, and after filing several players con-
tracts with President, Young continued his
journey toward his Philadelphia home In
interview Mr.. Wagner confirmed the re-
port that he would not sign Patsy Donovan
of the Pittsburg club manager for the
Senators. but fntimated that he is on the
lookout for a bright leader. So far nine
players have been signed embracing Nc
Manus, weighing. McGee Mcfarland,
Evans. Mccain. Padden, Mercer and Pow
ers. The local magnate said that he is af-
ter a first-class shortstop in addition to a
capable manager. The present Washington
club, while not of extraordinary caliber is
Tar from being weak one, and lacks but
the leadership of a McGraw or Kelley to
make 1t strong combination.
At the conclusion of his remarks Mr.
Wagner said that 1t would be impossible to
secure Joe Kelley for the Washington club,
as he had already signed his name to a
Brooklyn contract. If Kelley's signing a
contract were the only barrier keeping him
away from Washington the local fans"
would have cause to rejoice. 1t is not GUS
tCmary to purchase player from club
with which he had not signed a contract
or was reserved. The signing of a contract
simply means that Kelley belongs to Man.
aser ftanuOn, but should the latter desire to
sell the players services to the Washington
club, the contract could be quickly and
easily transferred to the Messrs. Wagner.
Players to Report March 10.
All the Washington players are to report
IN this city by March 10, but Mercer is ex-
pected several days earlier. Training quar-
tiers have not yet been selected but 1t is
understood that a visit to one Of the in
terror southern towns will be made, lasting
probably two weeks or more.
Outfielders O'Brien and Slagle have not
yet placed their names to contracts and are
doubtless holding out for an advance in
salaries. As these men received minor
league salaries last year, 1t Is more than
probable that their demands will be acced-
ed to. Both O'Brien and Slagle We're not
seen at their best last year. and there is a
strong possibility that they will overcome
the batting weakness and anchor them
selves in a class on a par with their known
ability. With Mccain on first, Padden on
second, Mercer on third and capable man
at short the senatorial infied looks fairly
strong With O'Brien and Slagle and
frst-class man added to the outfied the
outer garden also looks fair. but without a
matter to locate the clubs position
throughout next seasons championship
race.
Dreyfus and Wagner.
Apropos of Mr.. Wagner's recent visit to
Pittsburg the following special, dated from
that city, will be read with interest:
Barney DreyfuS, president of the Pitts
burg Bal Club, yesterday gave a UNIQUE
reason why he believes this years league
circuit will consist of eight clubs. Quoth
Barney:
Earl Wagner was here Wednesday. He
said that there was to be ten clubs.
For years l have made 1t a point to play
any card that Wagner is a loser. |
still think that it is a good idea | have
coppered his declaration. Watch if l do
not come out o. X.
Did you notice that Wagner said that
while he had signed Mercer to a contract
last fall, he now declares that he signed
him to another contract yesterday? What
would be the use of signing Mercer again
if he was going to play with the Washing
ton club in the league the coming season?
Did you notice Mr.. Wagner went out and
signed Freeman and others for the Boston
club? Eight clubs is my pick. Baltimore
will be glad to get out when the time
comes.