The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-03-03

Holland Has Two Vacancies on
Infield-PrObable Lineup.
Has Three Old Pitchers-Needs
Another Outfielder.

St Joseph, March 3.-Bobby
Meinke, the sorrell-topped shortstop,
is not angry with Jack Holland be-
cause he had intended to dispose of
the veteran of several campaigns
with the Drummers. The announce
ment by Meinke several weeks ago
that he had retired from the game for
good led to the suggestion that he was
peeved because Holland had asked
put him on the market, but Bob was
not sore. On the contrary, he has
written his former boss offering to
aid him in getting new timber and
saying he has a fine infield prospect
in view that he can get to report with
contract to Meinke in Chicago.
where Bobby is working for a tele-
phone company, and told him to sign
up the man. He is a third baseman
and played on a Chicago semi-pro
team last summer, which was the sem
sation in that league.
In the same letter Meinke an
nounced that he was done with pro-
fessional ball, but that he intended to
manage semf-pro team in the Windy
City this season. However, Holland
says it wouldn't surprise him q bit 1t
the Drummers begin spring training.
Although the Drummers do not APP
pear strong on paper at this time.
Holland claims to be pretty well fixed
for players and with q few additions
thinks he will be ready to turn a team
into the field that will equal any he
has ever had. William Fox, an out
fielder, who belongs to the local club,
but was loaned to Frank Isbell last
season, will be directed to report here
next month. Fox was drafted by Hol-
land from the Kewanee club of the
Central association in the fall Of 1912,
upon the recommendation Of Jay An
drews.
With Fox and Yank Davis, Holland
will be shy only one man In the out
field. He has decided to sell or trade
Jack Dawson, provided Dawson signs
up If Fox is located and Watty Wat
son is turned back by the Pittsburg
Pirates, the Drummers will present
as strong an outfield as they had last
season, which was the best in the
league.
Now as to the prospects for an in
field. Frank Gygil has signed and
will be at first base. He was little
weak in hitting last season. but i'm
provement is expected this year. Rip
Watson should develop into a star at
second base, where he will supplant
Fred Ochs. The shortstop and third
base positions are open. Wall, whom
Holland obtained in a trade with the
Ottumwa, Iowa, club for Honey
Reinhart, is slated to play one or the
other of these positions. In case
Bobby Meinke's recruit proves a good
man at the last corner. Wall will be at
shortfield. providing he lives up to his
reputation.
Stocked Up ON Batteries. u
Boss Holland will-rnot- want for
pitchers and catchers.e tsHe win have
three pitchers from last season-Jen-
kins, Bell and Thomas-in addition to
the new Internationally Purcell
Lefty Mcdonald, Ross. Clyde Park
and a number OF recruits. Schang and
Griffith, whose work this season is ex-
pected to make the Drummer back
field one of the strong departments,
will be back, and there will be Clin-
ton Johnson. highly recommended
recruit catcher with college expert
ence.
Adams was also included with Wall
| in the trade for Reinhart, but he has
not yet been transferred, although he
will be. julius Pappas, who was
turned over to Holland in part pay
ment for Kelley and Watson, has not
come to terms with the local magnate
and he probably will not be signed.
Dawson wants to stay in the east and
has asked to be traded to club near
er his home. In addition to the play
ers mentioned who will be asked to
/ NJ