Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-04-14
FIELD AND TRACK,
ROWING AND OTHER
SPORTING MATTERS

same lineup, man for man, that put
the team in second place last year, the
prospects of the washington Ameri-
can League ball club of equalling that
performance this year are not partic
ularly bright. The team lacks batting
ability and Manager Griffith has failed
in his efforts to strengthen this de-
partment Unless he can pick up one
or two good stickers during the sea-
son or the veterans show unexpected
Improvement, his team batting is go
ing to be weak. Griffith himself adj
mits it. Gandil, the first baseman. is
Washington's best sticker, and as he
batted better than 300 last year much
is expected of him.
The pitching staff cannot be said to
show Improvement over last year.
Walter Johnson is the only real vet
eran since Bob Groom Jumped to the
St. Louis Federals and Tom Hughes
was sold to Los Angeles. Boehling, al
though he was with the club last year
and pitched phenomenal ball, is still
considered a youngster, as are most
of the remainder of the staff. The
most promising are Shaw. who was
with York, Pa, in the Tri-State
League last year; Ayers, who was
with Richmond, in the Virginia State
Lea que; Bentley, a southpaw, from
the local sand lots, and Harper, an
other port slider, from Hackensack,
N. ].
The outfield will be unchanged.
Moeller will be in right; Milan in
center; and Shanks in left. Griffith
has one or two young outfielders on
his staff, but thus far they haven't
shown anything to warrant the break
ing OF this trio.
The jnfield will line up Gandil on
first: Morgan on second; Foster on
third; and Captain Mcbride at short,
as last year. Scott, recruit, and
Gideon, who was with the club last
year, will be utility men. schaefer,
the veteran, will also act in that ca
pacity.
Behind the bat, Griffith is we'll for
titled. having Henry, Ainsmith and
Alya Williams.
Cleveland.
The Cleveland Americans, finishing
third in last years league race, hope
to do as well in 1914, but the teams
future is problematical.
Pitcher Fred Falkenburg, star right
handler last year, has jumped to the
Federal League. One Of three young
sters, Hagerman, from the PACING
Coast League, Collamore, from the
American Association, and Bowman.
from the Central League, must be de-
veloped to take his place. Pitchers
Fred Blanding and George Kahler,
also right handlers, jumped to the
| Fcderals and then back to Cleveland.
The courts may enJoin them from
playing With Cleveland.
\ If Handing and Kahler are lost to the
Federals, and none of the youngsters
show big league class. Manager Birming-
ham will have a weak pitching staff In
addition to the youngsters named above
he will have Cullop and James, expert
ments last year, to help out Gregg,
Mitchell and Steen. Gregg and Mitchell
are star left-handers, and Steen is
good right-hander but it is generally
agreed that they cannot pilot the team to
a high position without aid.
Outside of the box. the team is practi-
cally the same as last year, Shortstop
Chapman, because of a broken leg, will
not be able TO play before June, but In
fielder Olson will fill his place aceepta-
bly, Youngsters who are expected to
stick with the team are: Woods. nfield-
er, Western League; Dunlap, inielder,
Canadian League; Billings, catcher,
Western League; Bassler catcher, last
year with Cleveland and Toledo. Lelieclt
and knight will do the pinch hitting.
Boston.
With three star players recovering
from illness, the Boston Red Sox will be
handicapped during the opening stages
of the pennant race. iris Speaker has
been suffering from cold since his re-
turn from the world tour. He will prob
ably be able to start the season. how
ever. Recovering from an operation for
appendicitis, Joe Wood will not be able
to pitch until after May l. Captain Was-
ner, the shortstop, has been unable to
take part in spring practice because OF
rheumatism and will not get into the
game for two or three weeks.
Notwithstanding these set-backs in de-
velopment. Manager Carrigan expects
the Red Sox to finish we'll within the first
division. With the convalescents in play
ing form, the team will be substantially
that which won the worlds champion
ship two years ago, and will have re-
serve strength in the addition of sub
stitutes of high rank.
Opening the season, Everett Scott, per-
haps the most promising recruit in the
American League, will play at short in
place of Wagner. Engle, at first, Yerkes,
at second, and Gardner, at third, will be
in their old positions
The outfield composed of Speaker.
Hooper and Lewis should be one of the
best in the game, and with Henriksen
and Rehg as substitutes. illness of one
or two members will not seriously affect
the teams efficiency.
Manager Carrigan will head the same
veteran catching staff of four. including
Cady, Thomas and Nunamaker, Four
veteran pitchers remain besides Wood, in
Collins, Bedient, Leonard and Foster,
with Johnson. formerly of Syracuse,
Kelly. of last years Seattle team, and
Zeiser, of Lowell, as candidates for per-
manent pitching positions.
Chicago.
II the White Sox have adued bit of
batting power and little more speed on
the baselines. they are likely to prove
factors in the race. Even without re-
turn to old time form by Ed Walsh, the