The Washington herald., 1911-04-03
By WILLIAM FEET.

| Atlanta, Ga, April S-Waltcr Johnson
the Nationals great pitcher, has practi-
cally made up his mind to abandon his
demands for $3.50 contract and sign
up at the clubs figures, $500. This in
teresting bit of news leaked out to-day
after johnson and Manager McAleer had
been engaged in a heart-to-heart talk in
one corner of the hotel lobby.
Neither McAleer nor the pitcher will
discuss the subject. The former because
Johnson's name is not down to a Wash
ington contract as yet, and the latter be-
cause he has been forbidden to talk with
newspaper men on the contract signing
matter.
To-day was the first time McAIeer and
dent Tom Noyes was here nearly a month
ago. and the manager was in a happy
mood when the confab was over. One
of Johnson's closest friends said: Wal
ter is no fool OF course, he is in base
ball for all the money he can get out of
it. but il the club cannot see its way
clear TO pay him what he wants. he will
line up at the figures they Offer"
johnson Will Sign Up.
The big twirler will in all probability
affix his John Hancock to a contract be-
fore the club leaves Atlanta. NcAlcer
has the document where he can get il in
a hurry. and will have one more little talk
with the pitcher, flash the contract and
Walter will sign it. making him the high
est salaried finger in the American
League.
The Nationals spent Sunday in a per-
fectly safe and sane manner. No more
jaunts to the Kimballville farm or the
Atlanta zoo. Most of the men went to
church in the morning and lounged
around their rooms or took short walks
in the afternoon. The day WAS bright and
warm. and weather sharps hereabouts are
predicting a hot spell for the final week
of the training season.
A. there is no danger of anybody 60
ing stale, and there are two or three
who have few pounds to take off. Man
aGer Jim proposes a strenuous week of
practice, starting tomorrow. The games
will be continued and each twirlcr will
be forced to work nine full innings. This
means that Bussey, Meyer, Hughes, and
Sherry. who have yet to go the full
route in one of the practice contests, will
have to convince Manage Jim of their
ability to deliver the goods, as there is
possibility that a cut in tho pitching
STAFF will be made before the club leaves
Atlanta
With the recovery of Germany Schae-
fer, there is not sick man or a sure
enough lame arm in the crowd. McAleer
Is delighted with the present condition
of the players. and the only fear he now
entertains is that some accident, such as
a sprained ankle or bad spiking. will put
one of his regulars on the shelf before
the season opens
McAIeer Picks Detroit.
During a tanning bee after dinner to-
night the boys were busily engaged in
picking the possible penrant winners of
the American League when Manager Nc
Aleer Joined the circle. The Nationals
boss surprised everybody when he said
he believed Detroit had a fine chance to
beat out the Athletics. all the players
being agreed that Macks White Ele-
plants would again romp home a winner
by a big margin.
Don't be too sure of that. boys" cried
McAlecr. There is nothing the matter
with that Detroit bunch, and il they
get going right and pull together and
escape injuries they are bound to make
it mighty interesting for the crowd from
The majority of the Washington play
ers cannot figure Boston and New York
as possible pennant contenders. They
think both of these clubs will be lucky
to stay in the first division. Boston espe-
cially. for the loss of Jake Stahl and
Harry Lord is sure TO weaken them 90
per cent over their last years form.
First Baseman John Sornerlott says
his eyes are now in perfect working or
Il trI l;-t
and was told that unless he put them
up. against too great a strain he would |
experience no more trouble; so the fight |
for first base between Long John and |
Henry promises to be a hum |
mer, and the showing Of these men dur |
ing the next six days will determine |
which one is to start the season.