Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-05
BY J. ED GRILLO.

What will probably he the Nationals
regular infield for the coming season was
presented by Manager Griffith yesterday,
when he played Knight at second. Flynn
at first and left Foster and Mcbride TO
cover the other two positions.
At no time this spring have the Nation
ais looked much like real ball team
as they did yesterday, and the infieid
combination added materially to the i'm
provement displayed. Though Jack
Knight is not yet fit TO do his best work.
lie is gradually getting into shape, and
s'roved by his actions yesterday that he
will be perfectly at home at second base.
This combination. it is figured. will give
the team more batting strength than any
other. while as fielders it is sure 10 hold
its own. Nc Bride and Knight made a
wonderful pair around the infield. Both
are tall and rangy and cover lot of
ground, and any halter getting a hit
through this pair is deserving of it.
Foster at third. is coming with every
game. and as the season progresses he
will not only show good form there as a
fielder. but he Will prove himself one of
the most dangerous hitters in the lineup.
Jack Flynn, at first. has made a good i'm
preston with the crowds. The fact that
he is constantly coaching the young
pitchers gives Indications that he knows
the game With Flynn on first. the
pitchers are constantly being reminded
of what their duties are when balls are
hit in that direction. He was after
Cashion constantly yesterday, with the
result that the big fellow fielded his po-
sJiCn beautifully.
Griffith. of course. may do some more
experimenting with his infeld. but it
seems TO be the general opinion that his
final decision will place the four men
who played yesterday In those positions.
Carl Cashion seems 10 be rapidly devel-
owing into pitcher. In the last ten
innings he has pitched but one hit has
beer made off his delivery, and that
came yesterday, and was a full-f1edged
scratch. He worked five innings against
Catholic University last Monday and did
not allow a hit. and the only hit made
oft him yesterday came in the fifth.
the last one he worked against Boston.
His control too. seems TO be improving,
and, Judging by the easy manner he
fielded his position yesterday. this is not
going to handicap him any more, either.
All Cashion needs IS experience, and
Griffith proposes to work him as often
as possible. About the next time out he
will be sent the entire route. for he is
ready now to go that far.
Joe Engei. the ST. Mary's College
pitcher. is to have his first chance against
a major league team today. Engel is
slated to go four or five innings against
Kings braves this afternoon, while Joe
Boehling will go the rest of the route
Engel. who suffered with a lame arm
for some time. is now in good shape. and
his friends believe that he will make 4
good showing.
That Griffith has picked up a valuable
youngster in Howard Shanks is no longer
doubtful Shanks looks better with every
game. He plays a splendid fielding game
and is about as impressive looking at
the plate as any man on the team. He
is fast on his feet and has a strong
throwing arm. and. more than that, is
ambitious, which makes an ideal COM
bination of requisites for a young ball
player. Like all young ball players.
Shanks needs experience. but it is not
going to be an easy matter to keep him
off the team The accident to Moeller,