Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-02-09
GRIFF'S OUTFIELO is
SURE TO BE STRONG
CONTINUED From First PageD

who go to the meetings without hav-
ing any idea of ma king deals. lie has
neshing he wants to trade. and Is. IN
IA It. in a position where he can AFFORD
To stand pat with the material he has
or hand That. however, is not the
case with some managers. \ majority
of those who finished in the second
di .ision last season naturally want I"
strengthen. and in an effort to DO :"
VIII not hesitate to make trades. New
York is particularly anxious TO max :.
me changes in it's lineup, and ~
wo.Ild not be at all surprising Ia
Chance pulled off trade or two. since
it IS a we'll understood fact that the
American League is anxious TO nave
New York represented by a good team.
notwithstanding the fact that Ban
johnson banished the entertainments
which Schaefer and Altrock furnished on
the coaching lines during the greater part
of last season, Griffith proposes TO carry
both of his comedians during the COM
ing season. Schaefer has been sent
contract which. however. he has not
signed. and a similar document will be
submitted to Altrock within the next
fes days. Schaefer. Of course. has some
value as a player. He can fill In most
anywhere for a few games, is capable
mau at the bat and on the bases. So
far as playing is concerned Altrock is
through. but he knows whole lot about
pitching and will be placed in charge OF
some Of the young pitchers during the
training period to teach them the me
points of the game
according to Griffith Altrock is a valu-
able coacher. He has good Judgment on
the lines. and is keen observer IN
which respect he helps his team not a
little.
While the comedy stunts will not be al
lowed during the games. there are oc-
cassons when Schaefer and Altrock can
perform. The intermission between dou-
ble-headers and during the preliminary
practice gives them opportunities to
anuse the crowds. and besides there Is
always hope that Ban Johnson will re-
lent and allow the umpires to be more
lenient toward the two comedians
l. won't be long before all of Griffith
PLAYERS will have reported here. Gandil
has the distinction of being the first out
of-.oyn member of the team to report,
bu. he will be joined by others during
the next week or so and February 20 all
the young pitchers will put in an appear
anre here. They will be worked in the
V NJ. c. A. gym until March .. when
they will be shipped to Charlottesville.
The regulars will be here by March 3.
witness the Inauguration and March .
wiz go to Charlottesville. where train
ing will begin i'll earnest. Grlfhth flgures
thai at the end Of three weeks he will
have his team in good enough shape TO
sta IT the exhibition season, by means or
which he expects to fit his players for the
opening of the regular season. The eX-
ll.bstion is well filled up with dates Bos-
ton. New York. Brooklyn and Philadel-
phia. will appear here. while one game
viii, be played in Cincinnati. In addi-
ton, several semi-pro and minor league
teams will also make their appearance
here.
There was time when most any sort
of Z. player was played at first base. but
that time has long since passed, and
nowadays just as much ability is required
in taat position as in any other.
T<i have a good fielder at first base
does much to make a first-class IN
fell. Any time infielder has con-
fidence in the man covering the base he
is materially aided in playing his position.
because he does not have to steady him. |
self before throwing. All he has to do
is L, get the ball in the direction of hrst |
base and the man playing there. II he is |
caDc BILE Will do the rest.
Gandils strong point is that he can
hardle any ball which comes within
reach. He is a good mark to throw at.
the infielders say, and as result they 4
can let the ball go without aiming. More
infislders have been handicapped and
often ruined because of the absence OF
a capable man at first than from any /
other source, and yet this feature OF first
base play is often overlooked.