The Washington herald., 1907-08-29
RECRUITS LOOK GOOD
CantiIlon Says He Has Some
Future Stars.
DOUBLE-HEADER WITH BOSTON
Nationals viii Open a Series with
McGuire's Club at National Park
This AfternOOn-BIankens and
Warner Are Ready 10 Work.
TOmpkin and shannon Go.

TOmpkin and shannon Go.
The Nationals returned from the West
early last night and this afternoon the
club viii open with a double-header a
three-day series with Jim AfcGuires 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 Cantillon thinks
that the trip was, in g way, highly salts
factory, as it demonstrated that several
OF the latest recruits are real ball play
ers who viii shine after a little more
experience. In Milan the manager be
lieves that he has one OF the very best
players picked uI by any major league
club, and so we'll has the Wichita man
shown up that he will probably be alter
mated with Jones. CIymer, and Ganley
until it is demonstrated which three men
are the best for the regular outheid posi-
tions
Every member of the team VINO was
seen last night expressed the opinion that
it will be some time before Tony Smith,
the Galveston shortstop, leaves the
American League. When John Anderson
took French leave, the club was in a
bad way for players, and CantiIlon agreed
to give Smith a try-out intending TO re-
turn the player 10 the Texas league as
soon as some other infelder 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 to
enthuse over young players on visiting
teams. were practically unanimous in de-
ClaTing Smith most promising
King Bill Kay did good work with the
bat in practically every game in which
ne participated, but the only drawback to
the big West V.rSinian IS his siowness 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 sJEh good work after
joining the club that CantillOn gave him
the preference over Bill Shipke O'Brien
has hit and fielded fairly well, but his
greatest strength lies in his ability 10
direct the infeld on sudden plays when
quick thinking is necessary.
Dave AltizeT has been performing bet
ter at first base than he did at either
sh0rtstop or center field, and the ex-out-
law viii probably finish the season at
the initial corner.
As soon as jim Blocks finger mended
Cantillon had no further use for Shan
non, the catcher who was loaned by
Mike Kelley when Heydon quit the club,
Des Moines, and the catching viii 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 TO play until the injured member
had had a rest.
Yesterday Blankenshlp was at the park
catching Hughes, and last night he re-
ported TO Cantillon that he feels that he
Is ready TO get into harness at once. The
manager thinks that il would be foolish
10 lake chance at this time. so the Cal
liornlan Is not likely 10 play for a week.
Another bit Of encouraging news re-
ceiVed by Cantillon yesterday was that
JACK Warner viii rejoin the club at once
and viii be able to work within a week.
ms 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 eve
Of Mike Kelley. Tonkin showed I'D
strong in practice, but in the only game
In which he twirled was so wild that
Cantill9n decided TO give him little
more minor league experience. It is
understood that a string is attached 20
Ionkin. and he can be recalled If he
does good work in the Western league.
IN case Cantillon should decide to let
Tony Smith go and leave the position
OF shortstop to Altizer and Mcbride. the
Washington club could realize a neat sum
in SAFE 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
CantillOn that the fame OF little Smith
had spread TO Kansas City, and that that
club was willing to part with 5000 IN
exchange for the player, but CantilIon
declined 10 consider the bid.
Not a 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 will be
Washington's battery in the opening
game to-day, while Walter Johnson and
Mike Kahoe viii 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
tilion, and it is hoped to have the house
ready for the reception OF the PLAYERS
when the club returns from the last trip
OF the season. on September IA. In the
meantime the men viii dress at their
hotels and so to the grounds In automo-
biles.
In going after fly In one Of the games
at St Louis Otis Clymer slipped and the
ban hit him on the point OF his shoe. rip
ping one of his tOenais completely off.
Clymer was in agony for a while When
he came hopping to the bench Cantillon
told him thar 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