Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-30
BY J. ED GRILLo.

Unless something unforeseen happens the
makeup of the Nationals when the sea-
son opens will virtually be the same as
| 1t was when the season Of 1910 came to
q close.
The outfleld. in fact, promises to be just
what 1t was last spring. SO far as the
individuals who fill those positions are
concerned. There seems to be little
chance Of either Gessler or Lelivelt being
replaced for q while, at least, and with
Milan in center it is undoubtedly the
strongest combination available.
OF course, much depends on whether
Gessler will hit up to his former stand
ard. No one doubts Lelivelt's ability in
this respect, and there is at least always
a chance OF his improving in fielding,
which has always been moderated. Leli-
welt has the reputation Of being a poor
fielder to live down. He has never been
as bad as he was painted, and had his
health not broken down last fall he
would have been of more help to the
team in left field than any of the players
used there in his stead.
After the squad had been at Atlanta
a single week it was evident that there
would have to be remarkable reversal
of form for any one of the young out
felders to make good. One or two Of
them might have filled the bill in a
pinch, but they were far from being an
improvement over the men McAleer had
for those positions
Gessler, who has ever been a slow be-
ginner in the spring, is showing decidedly
better form this year than last. McAleer
thinks Doc will hit this year as he used
to- and If he does there is no one in
sight who could take his place. II the
this season McAleer's team will be at
the head Of the second division. Gessler
and Lelivelt will not have to improve
much to accomplish their part of this
1t is perhaps fortunate that Bill Cum
ningham Is a chap with lots Of nerve and
confidence in himself. or his chances Of
Nationals with his lack of condition con-
stantly being held up before the public
would probably be very slim. Cunning
ham is being pictured as acceptable to
show. One might be led to believe that
he could not get out Of his own way.
But the facts are that while Cunny is not
yet as fast as he was last fall because Of
he is of more value to the team right
now than any man McAleer can place
there. Had the Nationals been blessed
with the sort Of weather that is neces-
ningham would be ready long since. As
1t is he needs to reduce several pounds
before he will be at his best
The youngster made a mistake last win
ter for which he is now suffering Being
anxious to make good in fast company.
he did not take any chances on injuring
himself during the off season. but took
things decidedly easy. The result was
that he took on weight which is not
coming off so easily, because II Is not
the result Of dissipation. One week Of
hot weather would put Cunny in perfect
condition, and there is chance still of
his getting this before the season opens.
The announcement that George Stone of
the st. Louis team is slated for berth
in the minors comes as surprise, for
it was not believed that Jim McAleer
would waive on the former leader Of the
American League batters. having fire.
ouently expressed the opinion that a
change Of clubs would make a big diff
ference in Stone.
Stone batted only few points over $50
last year, but he stole twenty bases and
played in every game the Browns got
out Of the schedule. He is by no means
an old man, having started his major
league career in 1904, when he went to
Boston. It may be that there is still some
good base ball left in Stone. but II waiv-
ers have been secured on him the man.
ayers OF the other seven clubs are evil
IDENTIFY not OF that opinion.
The Chicago Cubs seem to have de-
Perforated into q joy club Base ball APP
pears no longer to be taken seriously by
this aggregation Of former stars and
unless there is great change when the