Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-07-07
BY ]. ED GRILLO.

Notwithstanding the fact that every
major league club in the country has
corps of scouts going through the minor
leagues authorized to buy any player
who shows the slightest indication of hav-
ing a chance to make good in fast COM
pany, there will nevertheless be hundreds
of drafts in the fall, even after all the
purchases have been made.
It would naturally be supposed that
after the scouts had fine-combed the
minors there would be little left in the
way of promising material. There is not
much left. but major league clubs do not
take any chances at overlooking anything,
and for this reason the draft will be heavier
this year than ever before. But since
the demand for players has become so
great, and the supply comparatively
small, clubs do not take a chance on the
draft when a player who shows the
slightest promise is involved, and yet
hundreds of drafts are made each year
only a very small percentage of which
are able to make good in the big leagues.
So far as the Washington club is con-
cerned ii has never been heavy drafter.
Not one of the players now on the list has
been secured in this manner. The several
which have been drafted during the past
few years have failed to make good. and
this same condition prevails so far as
other teams are concerned, with decided
ly few exceptions
Two years experience at the head Of
the local team should have given Jim
McAleer a good line on what he needs
to better conditions here. A man OF
years OF experience who has watched
his team from the bench through two
campaigns should have good line on
the men under him. and since they have
failed to form a successful combination
he should be able to pick out their snort
comings and lay lines to plug the holes
II does not of course, follow that he or
any other man can lay his hands on the
kind Of material he needs. but he un-
doubtedly would be better qualified TO
pick players he needs than any one else
Opinions differ greatly on the ability OF
ball players. Scouts hardly ever agree
man best qualified to make such selec-
lions undoubtedly is the individual under
whom the prospective member OF the
team is to play.
II McAleer wants to make ten strike
with the local public let him pack his
grip and start on scouting tour. His
team can spare him. With so many ola
reads as the Nationals can boast or
few or no directions from the bench are
necessary. Even though the game De
lost because of the absence Of the man.
ager, he would accomplish more II ne
should find q player who would strength
en- the team for the future.
1t has been demonstrated this season
that even with the team in its best form
it is outclassed by too many of its rivals
to stand chance to cut a hgure In the
race. and yet that same team with the
addition of the right kind OF material
could be made a contender. The teams
principal weakness is In the pitching de-
partment McAleer's twirling stan needs
an entire overhauling. There Is some ma
terial around which a strong stan could
be built. and without another change be-
ing made In the lineup the team would
be greatly improved IL the pitching was
stronger. But, Of course. that IL not
the only weak spot. There Is lack OF
hitting strength in both the In and out
fields which places . great handicap on
the team. A ball club can't get players II