Evening star., 1911-08-22
By J. ED aRuLo.

Though there is still quite q margin
separating the Nationals from posi-
ton higher than seventh place. II the
teams present pace continues 1t Is sure
to finish higher up. Seven and one
half games is the lead which Chicago
has over the Nationals. If the team
can break even on the present trip
and 1t would have to show a remark
able reversal Of form not to do that
and then plays good ball during the
remainder Of the season on the home
grounds, It is sure to finish higher. for
Chicago and Cleveland, the teams which
are leading it in the second division,
will be on the road and at a disadvan-
tage.
Having won four OF Ave games played
in the west. with seven games remain
ing, 1t has to win but two of these to
break even, and with the pitchers
goin9 as they are 1t is sure to do even
better. After the seven games remain
ing to be played on the western trip
the Nationals have but nine more
games away from home and twenty
Ave on their own grounds. Barring ac-
should be won. and If this is accom-
plished sixth, or even nfth, piace is not
out Of he question.
After finishing at Cleveland the team
goes to New York and Phi!adelphia De
AOAAo
Of games at home
During the latter part OF these nome
series 1t is not unlikely that several or
the youngsters purchased from the
minor leagues will report here and re-
ceiye their trials. Long of Gadsden Is
sure to report here September z. and
he will be put into the game at once.
walter Johnson should lose decidedly
few games during the remainder OF the ie
nftCh0F
showing that remarkable form which
made him famous the very first year ne
made his appearance in this league and
II anything he is q better pitcher today
Johnson struck out 813. This was not. 9
record. for waddell holds 1t with 34S
hut had johnson been in good health all
this season he would probably nave
passed this mark. It is only recently that
Johnson is striking out many batsmen.
Earlier in the year his performance in
this respect was but normal, but since he
has rounded into form he Is becoming
the same enigma that he was IN former
years
Ia af,t to 20 through the remainder OF
the season without losing a game. though
this would be q most remarKaple per-
formance, which could not be achieved
unless luck was with the big pitcher.
Putting Ray Morgan In the lineup was
a wise move on the part OF Manager Nc
AIeer The youngster has been with the
team long enough to get thoroughly ac-
ouainted with the position. third base,
which Is new to him, and there Is no bet
ter time than the present to get line on
his ability.
II Morgan is as good ball player as
his Virginia, state League record would
indicate he will make good with the Ma
tionals. II he lacks anything. now is the
time to find it out. for 1t will then be un-
necessary to figure on him next spring.
The struggle for batting honors in the
American League promises to be just as
close and interesting as last year, when
Cobb got the decision over La1oie by a
single point. This year Cobb not only
IL is going to be no easy task. for both
the Cleveland players are hitting at a
terrific rate and the slightest fall-down
on the part OF Cobb Is sure to lose him
first place. II only clean base hits count
ably be beaten this year. But his speed
gives him an advantage over both his
rivals, for he will beat out three times
as many infield hits as either Lajoie or
of his lack Of speed. gets few base hits
during a season which would not be
counted for the slowest player In the
league. while Cobb and Jackson. be-
ing left-handed hitters and fast to first.
thrown out.
Forty players, who havo spent the
greater part Of the season with minor
LEAGUE teams, have been recalled by
major league clubs on optional agree
ments,- which are nothing more than q IL
cense to farm.
IT goes without saying that but an ex-
tremely small percentage Of this number
win make good or even get another
trial in fast company, the recall being eX-
ercised mostly "a protect the minor