Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-27
BY J. ED GRILLO.

Advocates of changes in the rules which
would bring about more batting claim
that the game would be popularized if this
was brought about. 1t is questionable,
however, whether the public would take
more kindly to the game If the hitting
was increased. About the only time that
a heavy hitting game is pleasing is when
the home team is doing the bulk of the
swatting. When conditions are reversed
a Disguised thrOng leaves the ball park.
On the other hand, close scores create
interest, for the reason that there is al
ways a chance for the result to be re-
versed. Pitchers battles are always the
most pleasing from a spectators point of
view They create tension which keeps
the crowds on edge, while heavy hitting
struggles usually look farcical.
Johnny Evers' suggestions for changes
in the rules are causing a lot of argu-
ments pro and con. He would cut the
number of balls emitting batter to his
base to three, which would mean that the
number of passes issued in a game would
be materially increased, and no one has
ever claimed that a pitchers WlldnesS
added an enjoyable feature to the game
His idea of allowing base runners to adj
vance regardless of conditions when
of the question, for the reason that there
would be no way to determine whether
the play was Intentional or not hehce
there would be more room for argument
On the whole the general opinion appears
to be that the rules are satisfactory as
they stand today. and it is not likely that
any changes will be made for the present,
at least.
According to a report from Los Angeles.
Frank Chance purposes to start the sea-
son at first base for New York, which
seems that he has about made up ms
| mind to try Chase at second base. IL
Chances health has sufficiently improved
to allow him to play with his team it Is
going to make a great difference IN It's
| showing When Chance was right there
was no better first baseman. Not only
| was he a perfect fielder, but he was a
dangerous hitter.
Though Chase is left-handed thrower
| he does not consider this a handicap as
| q second baseman. Chase played the
| position here in several games last 1al
| and he seemed to be perfectly at nome
| there infielders are scarce on the New
| York team and it is this department
| which is sure to give Chance lot OF
| trouble.
| Owner Nayin of the Detroit club says
| that he is willing to give Cobb an IN
| crease of salary. but that he will not &C
| cede to his demand for three-year con
| tract calling for $4,000. Any contra q
| that Cobb signs will be for one year only
! though it is hard to see where there !:
any advantage in this from the cluD
| standpoint Contracts give the club the
privilege to release a player after ter
| DAVIS notice Contracts with the reserve
| clause stricken out or with the provision
! that the player cannot be dropped at an!
| time are no longer legal i'm base ball law
| 1t would seem wise to sign Cobb to {
long term contract so as to avoid th'
| yearly squabble over the amount he is II
receive. 1t is not at all unlikely tina
Cohb and the Detroit club will get togeth
err The great player would undoubtedl!
be willing to effect a compromise in tn
matter of salary, for Cobb is too wise t
leave the game at this time when he Is
his best.
That the club owners should balk OF
giving the players all they demand is no
strange Unless their ambitions in TIL