The Washington herald., 1907-09-26
MANAGERS OPINION
ON PENNANT RACE


In the expressed opinions of various
on the outcome Of the great
race In the American League 1t is plain
TO see that the wish is father 10 the
thought in several instances. Baseball
managers are wise enough to dissent
rate nothing but praise in their public
expressions; what they really think is
apt 20 be concealed.
The consensus Of opinion among man
ayers is not fiattering TO Detroit and
Cleveland The majority say that the
race lies between Chicago and Phila-
delphia. and that the series now being
played by those teams viii settle the
argument. Drawing it stin fneV. the
are first choice. All of the
Eastern managers, except AIcG-aw and
Donovan, favor the Philadelphia entry.
Following are the opinions Of some of
the managers briefly told:
Joe Cantillon, manager Of Washing
Jon-The SoX have tough row 10
hoe in the East, but if they can beat
the Athletics Thursday. l think they
VIII have a good chance. When il comes
to a fighting spirit" there is no team
in the league that has anything on the
Sox. Detroit has put up a great fight.
Connie Mack, Philadelphia Americans
Every day is my busy day now. At the
present time I can truthfuly say that
my team is doing splendidly. and I feel
sure we shall eventually win out II is
a nerve-racking race. though. and this
week viii Just about tell the tale. When
we get through with Chicago and De
troit I think the returns will be in. In
less the team couapses completely, L
don't how Detroit and Chicago can
get ahead Of US
Hugh Jennings. Detroit Americans
The race is just as complicated rs il was
a month ago. l am sun optimistic, for
the Athletics have failed TO gain the COM
lead they fully expected TO have
by the time my team struck PhiIadel-
phia In fact they may not be on top
when / meet them with my team. The
Western teams are through with each
other. and. contrary 10 many predictions,
none of the three strong teams in the
Western division has been put out Of IT,
My pitchers. I think. have a better chance
of weatheriEg douhle-headers than those
Of either the Chicago or Philadelphia
teams. ] think We are as game as the
Sox, and I believe we shall be in it 10
the finish
Fielder A. Jones. Worlds Champions
The White Sox have an even chance for
the pennaut again. I figure Philadelphia
as the only team we have 20 beat We
viii finish oue-twO am sure. The Ath-
letics have the advantage Of playing on
their home grounds, but so far they
haven't been able to make that advau-
tage count for much.
Napoleon Lajoie, Cleveland Americans
Three weeks ago / felt confident that
Cleveland was going 20 land the flag this
time. We have played good ball but
the percentage Of victories was not what
/ hoped for ard the odds are now great
ly against us. Accidents have sapped my
team Of its greatest strength. would
not like TO make a public choice, as ]
still hgUe-a chance With good luck In
New York and Washington my boys may
make il uncomfortable yet for some Of
those fellows who have already claimed
the championship.
Clark Griffith New York Americans
7 think the Iong series of games on their
home grounds is sure 10 turn the balance
in favor Of the Athletics. Even If their
playing strength is no stronger than that
of Detroit and Chicago. this one adval-
tage viii count heavily In so close q race.
Mack's men viii have the benefit of r5St
and quiet. while the other Contenders are
certain TO feel the strain Of travel and
the facing of hostile crowds
James Mcclure, Boston Americans-I
have favored the Athletics right along,
but this race is so close that YOU can't
tell what may break in the homestretch.
The fact that the Athletics are on their
own grounds is enough 10 give them the
I think the Tigers Will find
this trip the hardest campaign they have
had in the East this season. All J5f the
Eastern clubs are playing fifty per cent
better ball than at ANY time during the
season, and the Western teams that ex-
Dect TO boost their percentages in Boston,
New York, and Washington may run
into several surprise parties.
Frank Chance, Chicago Nationalist
the White Sox would win another pen
nant it will please me greatly, as my boys
are anxious for q chance TO show people
in Chicago that we are the better team.
However, looking at the race carefully.
the percentage seems to favor the Ath
letics.
Fred Clarke. Pittsburg Nationalist am
not in a position to judge intelHgently Of
the respective merits Of the leading teams
in the American League, as I do not come
in contact with any Of them. and be-
sides I am quite busy keeping my team
in second place. However, it seems to
me that the Athletics. on their home
grounds, have the best chance.
John J. McGraw. New York Nationals
I have favored Chicago right along and
see no reason to charge my opinion. al
though the champions have done little
more than hold their own for two weeks
They are good fighters on the road, and
just now they are well prepared for
The Athletics seem 10 be
working under.a strain, just as they did
two years ago,
P. J. Donovan, Brooklyn Nationals
Chicago for mine. I have favored them
for the past two weeks, and they GER
tainly are holding the pace. Their pitch
ers, I think, will outlast the hard
worked staff of the Athletics. I have
lots Of respect for Detroit, but I don't
believe the Tigers viii stick until the
finish. as I firmly believe the Sox and
Athletics viii do.
Edward HaniOn, Cincinnati Nationals
Ny sympathies naturally lie with Jen-