Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-02
BY J. ED GRILLO.

Though the showing Of the Nationals
in the games they have appeared in this
spring has not given evidence of material
improvement in the ranks. yet a perusal
of the lineup is pretty sure to convince
even the pessimists that the team is
stronger than it has ever been.
To begin with, Griffith appears to have
a we'll balanced outfield. something that
has been lacking here for years. Moeller
Milan and Schaefer when they get down
to real business will prove faster, better
fielders and hitters than any trio of
gardeners that the Nationals have had
at any one time.
No matter what combination Griffith
may use in his infield, the chances are
that it will hit better than any We have
had, while its fielding will not suffer in
comparison with other infields that have
graced the local uniforms Though
Street is here no more. it remains to be
shown whether his absence will be felt.
To date there is nothing to indicate that
he will be missed. Henry. Ainsmith and
Williams all seem capable and will prove
better hitters and faster men on their
feet. Then there is reason for believing
that the pitching will be stronger. Head
ed by Walter johnson, Griffith's twirlers
give promise of being formidable. Walk
er. Groom and Hughes are almost certain
to do better work than they ever have
done before. while there is a good chance
of Carl Cashfon adding materially to the
twirling strength.
But even this optimistic view of the
situation gives no assurance of the
team finishing higher in the race, for
conceding that ii is stronger the chances
10
proved to an extent at least. and that
victories will come just as hard as they
did in former years.
Washington lost in last falls draft are
making good for the Detroit Tigers. Witt,
the coast infielder. is slated TO take the
place Of DOME Bush, if the latter per-
Ssts in holding out. while Jean Dubuc,
secured from Montreal. looks very much
as if he would add materially to the
Tigers pitching staff. McAleer had drafts
put in for these players. but lost them In
the drawing. 1t is. of course, policy Tor
Jennings TO insist that Witt can fill Bush s
Shoes but the chances are that the club
will relent before the season opens and
get the little shortstop back in harness
Bush is one of the most brilliant players
on the team and il is not likely that
Jennings will want to start the campaign
with an inexperienced minor league
shortstop filling so important position.
While it is generally conceded that the
coming American League race will only
be demonstration of how much theAth-
letics can win by. it is not safe to place
too much reliance on team in any sort
of race On past performance Mack $
team surely looks to have a walkover.
but players often change from one year
to another and the effect of this uncer-
tainty cannot be predicted.
There is no doubt that much of the
H. as.a,a- hn- h1a duo
TO the brilliant work of its veteran pitch
ers Bender and Coombs. Either one of
this pair is apt to have an off year. They
had had them before, and when they did
the team fell down badly. 1t seems GER
tain, however that il all of Macks pay
ers round into their old form then he is
again assured of the pennant. for the
team undoubtedly outcla sses all its rivals
There is nothing at all certain about the
National League race. The Giants have
been referred to as being lucky in WIN
ming last year, and to an extent this is