The Washington times., 1913-01-05
Has Nucleus of Strong
Team to Open His
Career.
By SENATOR"

F. Leroy Chance, peerless leader, Will
very likely hook up with the New York
Yankees Tuesday in Chicago when he
engages Frank Farrell in a tete-a-tete
Then look out for smoke in this little
old American League. There will be
things doing in New York next sum-
mer.
OF course, Frank Chance isn't going
to win any pennant in 1913 Indeed, he
may consider himself fortunate II he
can pull the bemired Yanks out of last
place. It takes time to build up a win
ming machine even when you have a
nucleus. A good nucleus exists in New
York, but it isn't any more than that.
That's why the former Cub chieftan
is apparently unwilling to sing a one
year contract. He knows that one year
does not allow a manager a fair trial
of his ability. Farrell may prefer this
one-year thing. but it's safe bet that
Chance will hook up for longer than
that and that Ban johnson will have
q finger in the pie himself before the
negotiations between the manager and
the magnate are concluded.
But the team, where is that? Harry
Wolverton wasted much time last wear
with bunch of hams shifted to him
by that energetic scout (?, Arthur
Voracious Irwin. He wasted time. yes.
but he proved that not one of them was
worth the powder to blow him off the
payroll. So Chance can begin where
Wolverton left off.
Has Good Pitchers.
Clark Griffith welded a winner with a
nucleus of two pitchers, an infielder and
an outfelder. Johnson, Groom, Nc
Bride, and Milan formed the keystone
of the Climbers arch of victory. Frank
Chance will find almost as good a nu-
cleus in New York
The Yankees pitching staff is worthy
of commendation. Russ Ford, Raw
Caldwell and Jack Warhop are a trio
Of Ievel-headed performers. Ford was
frost last year, but he seemed to
have lost interest under the manage
ment Of Wolverton. Caldwell didn't
follow training instructions and had
trouble with his boss on that account.
Warhop did fairly well. With Chance
TO handle them, this trio of Yankees
should come close to making trouble for
everybody in 1918.
Then look at Ray Fisher. George Nc
tOnneu, OeOrBe DdVlS ana the new
man, Keating. Certainly Chance should
get at least two out OF that bunch to
form a competent staff of five twirlers
Mcconnell pitched excellent ball last
season and should repeat Davis and
Keating come to the Yankees with
plenty OF recommendations
outfeId of Hitters.
Truly II is an outfield of veritabIe
sluggers that will welcome Chance at
the opening of the coming campaign.
Birdie Cree, Harry Wolter, and Jack
Lelivelt all pound the pill for .325 or
more, while Bert Daniels is good for
.275 almost any old time
The weakness of the Yankees comes
in the infield where only Hal Chase has
proved his worth. Roy Hartzell was
beaten out of third base last year by
young Midkin. This young Russian may
continue to develop into a star next
season.. That will aid much. But still
there are two open places at short and
second.
Claude Derrick. who subbed for Jack
Barry, the Athletics star, will be found
In the battle for the vacant place at
short Derrick is rather tall for a
and yet he is no taller
than George Mcbride, who has at
tained some reputation in the posi-
ton. So
Jack Martin, slammed in the lamp
by Walter johnson last spring, and
then shunted to Rochester. win be