The Washington herald., 1907-08-29
RECRUITS LOOK GOOD
CantillOn Says He Has Some
Future Stars.
DOUBLE-HEADER WITH BOSTON
Nationals VIII open a Series with
McGuire's Club at National Park
This AfternOOE-BIanken and
Warner IRE Ready 10 Work.
TOmpkin and shannon Go.

Inc NAtlOudiS returned from the west
early last night and this afternoon the
club viii open with a double-header a
three-day series with Jim McGuire's Bos-
ton team.
Despite the fact that there was nothing
remarkable about the number Of games
won by the club while on the Western
circuit Of the league, Joe Canullon thinks
that the trip was in a way. highly salts
factory, as il demonstrated that several
OF the latest recruits are real ball play
ers who will shine after little more
experience. In Milan the manager be-
heves that he has one Of the very best
players picked up by any major league
club, and so well has the Wichita man
shown up that he viii probably be alter
mated with Jones, Clymer, and Ganley
until it is demonstrated which three men
are the best for the regular outfleld posi-
tions.
Every member Of the team who was
seen last night expressed the opinion that
1t VIII be some time before Tony Smith,
the Galveston shortstop, leaves the
American League When John Anderson
took French leave, the club was in
bad way for players. and Cantillon agreed
TO give Smith a try-Cut, intending to re-
turn the player 70 the Texas league as
soon as some other infielder could be OBJ
tanned. From the beginning Smith star
red in the field. and so sensational was
his work in several games that even the
Western writer's. who are not inclined 70
enthuse over young players on visiting
teams, were practically unanimous in de-
claring Smith most promising.
King BIZ Kay did good work with the
bat in practically every game in which
ne participated, but the only drawback to
the big West Virsinian is his slowness In
the field and on the bases. If he could
overcome these two weaknesses. Kay
would be a most valuable man, for all of
the pitchers against whom he hit seem
ed TO look the same 10 the big fellow
Pete O'Brien did such good work after
Joining the club that CantillOn gave him
the preference over Bill Shipke. O'Brien
has lit and helded fairly well, but his
greatest strength lies in his ability 10
direct the infield on sudden plays when
quick thinking is necessary.
Dave Altlzer has been performing bet
ter at first base than he did at either
shOrtst0p or center field, and the ex-out-
law viii probably finish the season at
the initial corner,
As soon as Jim Blocks finger mended
Clntllon had no further use for Shan
non, the catcher who was loaned by
Mike Kelley when Heydon quit the club.
SO the backstop has been returned 70
Des Moines, and the catching will be
done By Kahoe. Block. and Blankenship
Blankenship had his injured digit exam
ined by a Wisconsin specialist. while the
club was on the road The doctor told
the catched that the finger had been set
properly. but that no attempt should be
made 10 play until the injured member
had had a rest
Yesterday Blankenship was at the park
catching Hughes, and last night he re-
ported 10 Cantillon that he feels that he
Is ready TO get into harness at once. The
manager thinks that it would be foolish
10 take chance at this time so the Cal
nornian Is not likely to play for week.
Another bit Of encouraging news re-
ceived by Cantillon yesterday was that
Jack Warner viii rejoln the club at once
and will be able to work within a week.
Ihis news came in a letter from War
ner's doctor in New York Jack is ex-
pected here to-day or tomorrow.
Granville Tonkin. the pitcher who was
obtained from Martinsburg, w Va, at
the same time as Kay. has been shipped
10 Des Moines to develop under the eye
Of Mike Kelley Tonkin showed I'D
strong in practice. but in the only game
IN which he twirled was so wild that
Canullon decided TO give him a little
more minor league experience. Tt is
understood that a string is attached to
TonlSin, and he can be recalled if he
does good work in the Western league.
In case Cantillon should decide to let
Tony Smith 50 and leave the position
OF shortstop TO Altizer and Mcbride. the
Washington club could realize a neat sum
IN a sale Of the former Texas Lacquer.
Charley COmiskey sounded the Wash
ingtOn manager while Smith was doing
great work IN Chicago. but CantillOn told
the Old Roman that there was nothing
doing in a sale Of the young shortstop
at this time George Tebeau telegraphed
CanullOn that the fame OF little Smith
had spread 10 Kansas City, and that that
club was willing TO part with 5000 in
exchange Tor the PLAYER. but Cantillon
declined TO consider the bid.
Not d word has been received by any
of the officials of the club from John
Anderson or Ned Heydon, and nothing
is known OF their plans for the future.
Until the players make some moves, they
VIII be kept under suspension, which
bars them from organized ball
Charley Smith and Jim Block viii be
Washington's battery in the opening
game to-day. while Walter johnson and
Mike kahoe will probably perform in
the latter contest Cy Young may pitch
one Of the games for Boston.
Because Of trouble over the permit and
insurance the work OF building a club
house at National Park has not vet been
started. This morning a conference will
be held between the builders and Can
ulion, and it is hoped to have the house
ready for the reception of the PLAYERS
when the club returns from the last trlp
OF the season, on September Il In the
meantime the men will dress at their
hotels and go to the grounds In automo-
biles.
In going after a fly in one Of the games
at St Louis Otis Clymer slipped and the
bah hit him on the point of his shoe. rip
ping one Of his toenails completely of.
Clymer was in agony for a while When
he came hopping TO the bench Cantillon
told him that he would have made a
great catch had he had his glove in his
toe, and-well. anyhow Clymer has re-
covered and VIII probably be in the
game to-day.
In to-day's double-header the Nationals
lineup viii probably be: Altizer. first
base; Delehanty. second base, Tony
Smith. shOrtstOp: O.Brien. third base: