Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-17
BY J. ED GRILLO.

While is, of course, still probable
that the names of a youngster or two
may be added to the list of players now
The property of the Washington club
before the next training trip starts, 1t
is a pretty safe guess that the team
which Will represent this city in the
next American League campaign will
be made up of the players herewith
mentioned.
Griffith was under the impression
that 1T would be possible to corral a
youngster or two that some of the
other major league clubs did not need,
during the recent league meetings in
New York, but in this he failed, for
the very players that he had picked to
add to the locals were not put on the
market by the clubs holding them, :.
we're claimed by some other club. 1t
has long since been realized that there
was little or no chance for any of the
local players to figure in deal, so
that it looks very much as if Griffith
would have to stand pat with the ma
terial he has on hand.
On the face of this list there is no
occasion for any especial enthusiasm.
for in many respects the team will be
about of the same caliber as its prede-
cessors. and yet the several youngsters
who have been added may make a lot of
difference One or two good ball players
make a wonderful difference in the
strength of team and there is at least
hope that such players have been secured,
since the last campaign drew TO close.
OF Moeller and Foster we have heard
much Several supposed to be good
Judges have Staked their regulations
that both will make good here. but
there are many of whom little or MOTH
ing is known. and whose merits Will
nave to be proven during the practice
season. There is. of course, a chance
tor both Morgan and Cunningham to
make the team. BOtR have given in
dications of being likely players here.
and this pair. togetfer with Foster and
all the weak spets in the lineup. But
there are Other5 to be figured on Shank
Of YoungstqwG for instance. seems to
nave gained the reputation that ne Is
a ball player of some class. This is
learned from remarks made by scouts
and rival managers, who got a line on
the youngster last fall Shank is sure
10 be given a trial, but the chances are
against either Scott or Sheer, the two
infielders secured from the same club
ever reporting here. From all that can
be understood, McAleer took this pair
to cover them up for Youngstown, as
a favor. and neither is believed to be
fast enough for this company.
The one doubtful name on the list is
that of Gessler. Griffith does not want
to keep Doc, neither does he want to get
rid Of him, unless he can get his price.
The chances are. however, that some
minor league club will come along with
an offer that suits. in which event the
DOC will be dropped from the list.
Gessler is hardly a good enough ball
player to build any hopes on, unless he
has an exceptionally good year with the
bat. That means that he would have to
hit far overtime 300 mark before he would
be Of real value TO the team. He has
not done that since he joined the locals.
and 1t would be surprising indeed If he
could come back TO his old Boston form
next season. Yet stranger things have
happened.
Griffith any concern. He figures that he
can afford to take a chance with Milan,
Moeller and Scheafer as gardeners, but
with the infield it is different. On paper
he appears to have but one finished major
league infielder. Mcbride, and. Of course.
he can play but one position Grin does
not feel that he is particularly hard up
at first base for the reason that he has
a lot of confidence in Jack Flynn. not to
speak of the chance that Spencer has to
make good, but, when it comes to the
other two positions, he admits that he Is
somewhat in the fir OF course. II 1t was
a settled fact that Cunningham could
come through and make good much Of
the problem would be solved. but he, like
the other candidates for these positions.
must be considered a mere experiment
Neither would be be worrying much II
he had a seasoned player for third base.
for then he could figure on either Morgan,
roster or Cunny for second. But. as it
IS. he looks upon Cunningham as the
logical man to be played there. while he
will take a chance on Foster or Morgan
at third.
When II comes to the pitchers there is
a good chance of Grihith having formi-
dable staff Under his guidance some of
the twirlers who showed well only In
spots may be able to improve The catch
ing staff compares favorably with any in
the league.
While 1t may only have been coin
cidence that Bob Groom pitched five
straight victories in the fall of the year
IN which he gave the catchepo the signs
instead of having the backstop signal
him. 1t would be well to put this system
In practice when the season opens.
Groom has ever been a mystery to close
observers Of the game. In the warm-up
he has as much as any pitcher could
wish for. and occasionally he has shown
h1gh-class pitching in his games, but
- . rule he has been unreliable and this
CONTINUED on Second PaRal