Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-26
BY J. ED GRILLO.

Two of the American League pitching
stars, who because of lack of condition
were of little or no help to their teams,
have promised to be good next season
and therefore should deliver the goods.
The pair referred to are George Mullin
and Chief Bender. Mullin came into the
Tiger fold several days ago, when he
volunteered to sign a contract calling
for less salary than he received last sea-
son. He promises to get himself in con-
dition and retain it during the next CAM
paign. which means that Mullin will be
one of the best pitchers I'm the circuit
again.
From Philadelphia comes the story that
Chief Bender who last season disregard
ed all training rules and thereby probably
beat the Athletics out OF the pennant,
proposes to turn over a new leaf he
has made Connie Mack solemn promise
to sit securely on the water wagon next
season and to pitch his arm off, ii neces-
sary.
Bender was in a frolicsome mood all
last season. He did not give his playing
much attention, but seemed destined for
a good time only. One day in New York
he reported in condition that caused
Mack to fine and suspend him and Ben
der went to his home. He wrote plead
ing letters to Mack. none OF winch was
answered. and finally come across with
letter promising everything that Mack
could hope for. Mack agreed to give him
one more chance, with the warning that
if the Indian did not behave he would
see to it that he spent the remainder of
his base ball days in a minor league.
Bender has made it plain that he pro-
poses to do his best. and If he makes
good the chances of the Athletics finish
ing at the top of the race will grow much
brighter.
In signing his players Griffith will
probably have less trouble and delays
than any other of the major league man.
ayers. Johnson, of course is in llne his
three-year contract terminating next sea-
son. SO that the one player whose de-
mands might create breach has no
business to transact this year. Every
one of the young players who made good
last season was presented with a hand
some bonus at the end of last season,
and of course went home Well satisfied.
They are all sure to sign their contracts
without murmur. knowing that II their
work justifies it the figures in their con-
tract will by no means be the limit of
their earnings. Griff believes in paying
a player according to his work, and this
is very pleasing condition. from the
players standpoint There Is but one
man on Griffs list who may demand
substantial increase. He is Milan. Hav-
ing been classed among the three great
outf1elders of the league. Milan Will nat
urally want to be paid in Keeping with
the chances are that he will not have any
trouble coming to terms with the club.
The new manager of the Cincinnati
club says that If he can get new
catcher. a new outfielder and one or
two good pitchers he will be well up
in the race for the championship OF
the National League in 1913
Very likely. If there We're two or
three other clubs which could COM
mand the same quality of service. they
would be likely to be up in the race.
With all that. Tinker is very much i
right in what he says. His team Will
be factor in the championship il he
can fill the positions to which he re-
fers by steady and stable players
But it isn't so certain that he is likely |
to fill the gaps this year as that he |
may be able to fill them by season
more.
1t is a great deal TO know where the
weakness lies and go at it that II may |
be remedied as quickly as possible.
If the Boston, Cincinnati. st. Louis |
and Brooklyn clubs could each be
given a pitcher who would be able to
win CTS per cent Of his games you