The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-07-06
GIANTS START AWAY
ON CRUCIAL JOURNEY
After Double Header To-day
with Phillies McGraw's
Men Invade West.
NEW YORKS IN HOME STAND
Chance Will Introduce Mullen
at First Cushion Against
Maps Tomorrow.
NEW lORkS IN HOME STAND

To-day's doublchcader with the Phillies
will mark the last stand OF the champion
New York Giants at the Polo Grounds
until after the second invasion OF the
western wing of the Tener circuit by
Eastern clubs The three time 'pennant
winners of the old major league seem
fair upon the road TO n fourth consecu-
tive championship. \ good road trip
through hostile country should pretty
nearly assure n repetition of past Me.
C,raw successes.
On the first swing through the West
McGraw's men were called upon to stop
the mad career of the Pirates. This was
most effectually done. Clarke's team has
never quite recovered from the lacngs
handed 1t by New York. For the time
being the buccaneers may be disregarded
us a dangerous element.
II was New York, also. which put the
skids under Charlie Herzogs sensational
Reds. This was accomplished when Cin-
cinnati visited the Polo Grounds. But
because the Giants stopped the Pirates
and the Reds there Is no reason to be
lieve that the prospective journey Will
be any picnic for the title holders. The
champions will have to fight every inch
OF the way.
There Is no soft spot in the Western
wing OF tho National League at present
unless IL he Cincinnati which is liable
to get back upon its feet during the long
home stay. Pittsbprg has been travelling
somewhat erratically since an aGgravating
slump. but right now the team is playing
better baseball than at any time since
early in the season. st. Louis has
rafting good club and so has Chicago.
Many of the wisest experts pick
the Cubs to battle the Giants to
tho last ditch. IT now looks
very much as II tho real fight
will centre between these time honored
rivals. Chicago has shown a more even
l..
Hank O'pay has his pitchers working
nicely. He has punch in his attack.
Force of necessity has provided Roger
Bresnahan with the steady work that
was necessary to put him back in the
first rank OF major league catchers. He
II n fine receiver and assures O'Day OF
great strength in this department. As
soon as Archer is ready TO assume active
duties again the Cubs will he possessed
OF the finest catching department in the
game.
The Giants have won the majority OF
their games Mt home but in spite OF
this are not behaving like real cham
plons. Tho team is out IN front as much
through the poor work of rivals as
through any redeeming virtues of Nc
Graws champions. one of the most
striking weaknesses of the Giants has
shown In the pitching staff. The veteran
thrlsiN MatheHson and JEFF Tesreau are
tho only two rcal dependables. Mar
guard is errat'c. One day he seems 4
champion OF champions: the next day
he behaves like the most pronounced
husher. Al pemaree has not been right
all season. Fromm- Is such An uncertain
quantity that the Little Napoleon utilities
him chiefly for relief duty.
The Chancemen return tomorrow for
long stay at tn" Polo Grounds This
team has never fully recovered from the
effects of its most dlscouraging trip
through the East several weeks ago.
Chance Is trying with might and
main To remedy the evils which
besct him. The Peerless Leader
declares that two good hitters would
mako pennant possibility of the
surely abused club. No team in or
ganized baseball seems ready to coAe
10 Chances assistance even so far as
bench warmers are concerned.
New York fans tomorrow win have
tire first opportunity to see Chances new
first baseman. Mullen. according to the
scribes at the front. is very fast fellow
in the field and on the bases His re-
tention depends entirely upon his class
as a stick wielder SO far there has been
little OF which to complain along this
end Of the game.
Frank Farrell Journeyed TO Thiladei-
ph'a Saturday 10 consult with Manager
Chance upon several prospective deals
The owner OF the New Yorks. IL is said.
Is anxious to purchase one or two OF
Jack Dunn's celebrities Outfielder Twom-
bly, Is likely to be with Chance in tho
very near future II Dunn will name a
figure anywhere within the bounds OF
reason.
Secretary w. r. Blackwood OF the
Cleveland team writes that the Maps will
arrive In town Tuesday morning to begin
death grapp'e with the New Yorks.
Manager Joe Birmingham is in command
OF squad OF twenty-six athletes, includ-
ing three catchers. ten pitchers and eight
outnelders. Slugger Joe Jackson Is well
again and will be- NJ TO start against the
New York team. II Is believed.