Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-05
Highlanders Are Upset
From Top to Bottom

Sweeping changes have been made in
the New York nine. Clarke Griffith was
told In 1907 that his team was weak in
the box and that he could not hope to sue
coed in 1908 unless he had pitchers who
could be of more assistance TO the nine
than those who played in 1907.
This opinion was appreciated and Crit
fifth has made radical moves to bring
pitchers to his team who will aid it. Will
liams and Hoffman were lifted from the
team of last year and swung to St. Louis.
with a cash bonus, in exchange for Glade.
Niles and Hemphill. Williams had been
with the Highlanders from the day that
New York American League team had
been possibility. The man who had
been the keystone of the infield was sac
rificed to secure pitcher who seems to
be seasoned and who may be at the height
of his game. Griffith takes the chance
because he believes that it is the one sal
walton for his clubs weakness Some
think he gave too much for the return
that will come to him, yet the trade is in
keeping with the slashing moves for
which American League managers are
famous.
To assist Glade, if he should be as good
as rs hoped. the manager of the High
landers has Doyle. good when he is good
and not able to stop rush when he is
not at his best; Chesbro. a problem, like
any other pitcher who has seen the tide
GO out and leave him on the shore; New
ton, now and then impossible to hit and
never wholly certain: Orth, steady and
good for his average number of victories;
Hogg, winner if used infrequently:
Neuer, conjectural: Lake. a splendid
minor league pitcher, who may develop
into a steady winner. Taken as whole.
II Is a stronger pitching staff than last
year. Hence Griffith seems to have made
a move which is of benefit to him. But
the problem of having these men on the
field is still to come.
In his infield he is more at home, except
that he has to find that Niles will fill the
place which Williams has left. OF MORT
arity, Elberfeld and Chase there is no
question. Their merits are known. Chase
has no superior, and perhaps but two In
the world can approach him. Moriarity is
a good fielding third baseman and Elber-
field a brilliant shortstop with an uncer-
tain arm. which is not the detriment that
1t might seem, owing to the phenomenal
ability of the first baseman.
In the outfield are Conroy, Stahl, keeler
and Hemphill. 1t Is a good outfield. 1t
can run, bat and field. and these are the
qualities that all outfields should possess.
Behind the bat are Kleinow. Hickey and
Blair. Here lies the greatest problem of
the team. kleinOW Is experienced and
knows how to handle some of his pitchers.
Blair is inexperienced out very promis-
ing. Hickey is reliable and nervous.
In one other respect. that of base run
ming. the team shows to advantage. and
if the pitching staff works with that sue
cess which is anticipated, the New York
nine will be dangerous and winning fac
tor in close games, by reason of Its abil-
ity to get runs over the plate through the
speed OF it's individual players. Hence the
New York team must be conceded ele-
ments Of strength which shall have to be
reckoned with from the start of the sea-
son.