Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-14
BY J. ED GRILLo.

There was not shortstop in the
American League last season who played
better ball than Jack knight Of the
Highlanders. Not only did he field SUI
perbly. but he proved one Of the best
hitters in the league. One would nat
urally suppose that because of his brill
liant performance last season Knight
ought to be one player absolutely secure
of his job, and yet. il the New York
scribes are to be believed, Manager Hal
he will play at short field. knight is
down to be switched to second, while a
named Otis johnson has been
for Knights old place. There
is also rumor that Chase may bring
Cree from the outf1eld to play short,
which is, of course, rather hard to be-
lieve.
1t is the policy Of the average man.
ager to never change a man from po-
sition in which he stars to another place,
thus virtually weakening two positions
instead of having one satisfactorily
filled.
Chase may not contemplate any OF the
moves credited to him, nor may he DC
responsible for the stories regarding
changes on the team which are floating
about. At any rate. 1t is hoped that he
will not start his career as a manager
by making breaks Of this sort, for it
must be conceded that he will have to
display a lot Of ability to get his team
as we'll up in the race as his predeces-
sor, Stallings. had it during the two
years that he was in charge there.
Umpire Owens of the American Asso-
citation draws the largest salary OF any
@t@ ;rN H1,4
fact, Owens salary is much larger than
that of a majority Of the major league
arbitrators. Unofficial information is to
the effect that Owens draws 500 per
month from the association. He FUR
nishes the one instance where an UNI
pire turned down a major league posi-
ton to work in the minors and received
more money than he was offered by the
majors.
Owens umpired in the National League
zation at the end of the season to go
with the association. That was during
Harry Pulliam's regime. He is said to
have signed three-year contract, which
still has a year to run. But as he
jumped the National League he is be-
iieved to be under the ban of both major
leagues and it is reasonable to suppose
that when his present contract expires he
will have to sign for smaller sum or
remain idle. for, though a most COM
petenC OINcidI, neither OI the major
leagues will ever give him employment
again, and he is therefore virtually at
the mercy Of the association. which is
not apt to want 10 renew his contract
at the present figure.
Aside from making il compulsory on
every club to have its diamond level and
not allowing the pitchers slab TO. be
raised. there is not apt to be the slightest
change in the playing rules next season
The various suggestions to improve. the
batting are not meeting with the favor OF
those who will consider the rules, SO that
the chances are that no other changes
than the ones mentined will be made.
1t is not unlikely. however, that by
having the pitchers slab on level
with the rest of the infield the pitcher
will be handicapped to an extent, for
a while at least. but eventually he will
master the situation and be just as sue
cessful as ever.
Legislation against the foul strike rule
the spit ball and the steel spikes will
not even be given consideration, for while