Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-03-07
YOUNG PLAYERS ARE GOOD.
BUT VETERANS ARE BETTER
Phenomenal Batter, Fielder and Runner Will
Have to Be Developed at Camp to
Break Into Nationals Lineup.
BY J. ED aR111o.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special DlSpdlCu ~ 1uc oCdE.
CHARLOTTESVILLE Va. March a.
While, Of course, the unexpected may
happen, and one of the numerous recruits
now in training here develop into SO good
player that his regular presence on the
team would be deemed desirable, 1t is
most probable that when Griffith sends
his team to the field in the opening game
Of the season it will be made up of ex
actly the same players which filled its
positions in the last campaign.
This is In no way a reflection on the
ability Of the newcomers, for there is no
doubt that on the whole 1t is the most
promising lot Of youngsters that a Wash
ington manager has ever gathered about
him in a training camp. But the fact
should not be overlooked that the No
tionals were quite ball team last sea-
son, and that it will require more than
ordinary ability to take the places OF
any of the regulars. Furthermore, there
are indications that several Of the young
sters on last years team will show to
better advantage this year, and all In all
1t is not at all likely that any Of the
recent acquisitions to the team will be
able to supplant any of the old men, Nor
does this mean that there will be a
wholesale exodus of the youngsters when
Griffith gets ready to shape his forces
for the real fight. Many of them will be
retained to be used for emergencies and
in the event of accidents and given a
chance to develop.
1t must always be remembered that the
step from the minors into the majors is
a long one. Only a small percentage of
the youngsters make good, though many
are called. Griffith had an exceptional
year In 1912 because he built up a ball
team with youngsters and was success
ful. He is not apt to repeat in this re-
spect, however, because he raised the
standard of his team 80 much that 1t has
become harder to break into the regular
ranks.
1t Is of course q bit too early to tell
what may happen. Some Of these young
sters may show enough later on to war;
rant their being played in the place OF
some OF the old men. There is no doubt
as to their possessing a lot Of natural
ability. and as they gain condition they
may still improve. But, as said before,
the chances seem to favor the old fell
to again deliver for Washington In the
coming pennant race.
1t is generally conceded that a. team
is no stronger than the utility 1t carries
on its bench, so that even If the regular
team of last season Is allowed to remain
intact Griffith will be better fortified with
extra players, for there is not the slight
est doubt that he will retain a goodly
number of the new men who are in train
Ing here: He seems particularly well sup
piled with Outfielders. Connolly, Allen,
Welchonce and Calvo all look promising.
AcOsta, too, is going to MAKE q ball play
er, but he is probably still too young to
be considered. Whether it is possible for
any Of these to fill the shoes Of either
Milan, Moeller or Shanks is a question
which has few supporters on the affirma-
tive SIDE Milan. Of course. can be de-
pended upon to deliver as usual Moeller.
II his claim that his shoulder is strong
again can be substantiated by facts, Is
going to be 90 per cent better man
than he was last season, and IL the fact
that Shanks Is hitting like fiend in prac-
tice means that his general hitting is to
improve, there Is no cnance for any of
the younger corps to take his place. for
he was easily the best fielding left fielder
In the league last season.
So far as the infield Is concerned, II
differs little from outfield conditions The
fight for second base will likely remain
where 1T left off last season. between La
Gedeon. Erhart and Morley are a likely
looking lot, but there is not one chance
in ten that they could take the place Of
either Of the regulars and deliver as
much, yet at least two Of them would be
very handy to have around.
The chances are that when the season
opens La Porte will be found the gardian
OF second base. He is much lighter than
he was last fall and is showing some i'm
provement in his fielding. while his hit
ting is simply superb. A team so much
In need of hitting strength as the Ma
| tionals needs just such a hitter as La
Porte to help it along. He is of the
cleanup variety and is usually at his
best during the early part OF the season.
There may be an addition or two to the
pitching staff and one OF the young
catchers will be carried in case Of
emergency. bit on the whole chances are
that the Nationals Of 1913 will line nm
almost identically with the team OF the
preceding year.
Yesterday proved the worst day that
the players have put I'm here. A chilly
wind got under way during the morning
and did business all day, so that 1t was
really uncomfortable to be on the field
But Griffith had all hands out twice.
The youngsters worked on the big field
both morning and afternoon and the
regulars went on the big field during the
morning and then confined their opSra-
tons to the tennis courts in the amer.