Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1913-03-15
TEAMS ON SCOUT
FOR INFIELDERS
Seven American League Clubs
HOtfOOt After Youngsters.
ATHLETICS ARE WELL FIXED
Connie Mack Fortunate to Have Four
Great lnfielders-Detroit, New York
and ST. Louis Could Stand Lots of
Improvement.

Improvement.
Athletes aspiring to break into the
American league the coming season
should endeavor to graduate as inield-
ers. as this department of the pastime
appears to be the most in need of
Strengthening.
Practically every club in the junior
body, with the possible exception OF
the Athletics. car use a recruit or two
to strengthen the inner line of defense.
Connie Mack built well when he ar
ranged his forces three years ago, and
there is no sign of crack or assure in
the infeld manned by McInnis. Col,
Inns. Barry and Baker.
Seven other pilots are in dire straits
for talent to take care of the bases and
the shortfield. The host of infield ma
terial should receive a thorough trial
this coming campaign. with better OPP
portunity of staying in the johnson or
g%anization than heretofore.
Even Boston and Washington, which
made the running last year. are in po-
sition to strengthen their fences by
the acquisition of an infielder. Though
Jake Stahl, pilot and initial sacker of
the worlds champs, has gone on rec
ord as saying he would be found at his
old post another year, it is more than
likely he would give way willingly to a
younger guardian were he fortunate
enough TO develop one. Even if he
participates this season he must have
"a Juvenile in training ready to step
into the breach If needs be.
Clark Grifith's vital trouble last year
was the keynote sack problem. Nor
gan, a recruit, took care of the bag
much of the time. but his laxity In
stick work made it essential for Grit
fifth to change horses in midstream.
and as a result he purchased Laporte
from the Browns. This was only a
temporary shift. and what Laporte
made up in stick work he lacked in
fielding and aggressiveness.
Chicago, the fourth team In the race.
was shy a FIRST baseman all season
Toward the close 1t picked up Borton.
who was an improvement over the re
AbulhQeA VI the iilulS. Dll ut WAS pau
fully slow on his feet and a left hand.
ed sticker. weak against pitchers of the
same denomination. The shifting of
Harry Lord to the outfeld left a wide
gap on the other side of the in6eld.
which will be as difficult to fill as the
first corner. Weaver and Rath. short
stop and second sacker. both yearlings.
are the most secure OF the in6elders.
and the former win have to fight two
other Juveniles.
Cleveland made great Roadway in
filling its ranks toward the close of last
year. In Johnston. first sacker. ana
Chapman, shortstop, it strengthened
immensely. and it is probable that
they will retain the jobs Entrusted in
their care. On the other hand. while
second and third bases are guarded
well Mt present by Laioie and Turner.
both are well past their prime and
these places will have to be looked
TO the coming season. If only for the
sake Of safeguarding the future.
Detroit is probably worse Off than
any other club in the organization,
having a shortstop who hit a very
meager figure last season as the lone
secure infield proposition. All three
sacks are in need of guardians. and
were 1t not for the fact that Cobb and
Crawford. outielders, are such a tower
of strength the Tigers would fall back
into the air from which Jennings
resurrected them.
The St Louis Browns plight is too
we'll known to need much comment.
They have Pratt. a second sacker, and
two veterans in Wallace and Stovail.
These positions must be looked into
Immediately. as more decay will leave
a cavity too deep toibe cured No mat
ter which way the squad lines up the