Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-03-22
BY J. ED GRILLo.

BY j. ED Gh1LIO.
Special Dispatch 10 The Star.
CHARLOTTESVILLE March c1.-Not-
withstanding the fact that there is some
doubt as to the strength of the Athletics
pitching staff, Mack's team seems to be
the one which will have to be beaten by
any club that hopes to win the pennant
this year. That the Mackmen are the
favorites in the race is but natural The
comparatively easy manner in which they
won the pennant last year and their one
sided victory in the worlds series make
the team appear to outclass its rivals.
Yet 1t may find itself in one of the most
strenuous struggles of its career.
Washington and Boston are sure to be
contenders. though it is not likely that
any of the other teams will be prominent
On last years performance Cleveland
would have TO be considered, but the loss
of Falkenberg, who virtually held the
Maps up in the last race, is sure to prove
a serious handicap, for there is no reason
to believe that Birminghams team has
been strengthened in some other depart
ment sufficiently to Offset the absence of
the tall twirler.
But Boston is sure to show to better
advantage than last season. There has
never been any question about the Red
SoN's strength, but accidents and adverse
conditions last season caused it to be d
disappointment.
The Nationals, though greatly handi-
capped in the last campaign. finished a
good second, and by their five straight
victories over Cleveland during the clos
ing weeks of the season undoubtedly
made II possible for the Athletics to win
the pennant and the worlds series. The
lead which the downfall of the Maps gave
the champions enabled them to prepare
themselves for the clash with the Giants.
It gave Plank and Bender a chance for
much needed rest, and they regained
their form in sufficient time to prove in
vincible against the McGrawites
Illness and accidents may again befall
the Nationals this year, but if they don't
there is every reason for believing the
team will make better showing than it
did last season, and. if it does, the team
which wins the flag Will have to go at
faster pace than did the Athletics in the
1913 campaign.
1t Is unfortunate, indeed, that the
Grinmen have been the victims of such
Indictment weather this spring. Their
training has undoubtedly been retarded
thereby, and. while there is perhaps No
danger of their not starting the season
fit to hold their own. prospects for
good beginning would be materially
brighter If real spring weather had pre-
vailed here during the past two weeks.
To date the players have experienced
just about three days of the kind of
weather that helps get them in shape.
Last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were
ideal from a base ball standpoint. but
before and since then they have been
forced to work under most unfavorable
conditions.
1t is. of course, long while yet be-
fore the season opens. and, IL spring
sets in about the time that the exhibition
seasons opens at home, all may be well
and good
Connie Mack's infield is undoubtedly
one of the greatest the game has ever
developed Its hitting proclivities give
It the only advantage over that of the
fielder and inside ball player Eddie Fos-
tor is Frank Bakers superior. but. Of
course, the smuggling prowess of the
Trappe, Md. star makes up for any Of
his other shortcomings. Eddie Collins is
Ray Morgan's superior in every way. but
Morgan stands out over any Of the other
men playing second in the league. There
is little to choose between Mc1nnis ard
Gandil. The former makes lot of SEN
sational plays at first base which would
be easy for Gandil, for the reason that
he is much bigger man and has much
more remarkable reach. Jack Barry and
ing ability. though the former is un-
doubtedly a better hitter.
Washington patrons of the game have
seen the development of some remark
ably good ball players who, when they
Joined the team, were of rather ordinary
caliber. Milan. for instance, was far
from being a major Lacquer when he join
ed the team in the summer of 1907. yet
within three or four years he became one
of the greatest outfielders in the league.
Walter Johnson's rise was not so long
delayed He was recognized as the max
ing of great performer after he had
worked in two games and yet 1t was sew
eral years before he could be pointed out
as a finished pitcher When John Henry
and Eddie Ainsmith joined the Washing
ton forces they were green hands. yet to-
day no team in either major league can
boast of two better catchers.
Ray Morgan was mere boy when he
came into the fold. He seemed too
young to have a chance at first, and was
used only on occasions. His develop
ment, however, is most remarkable, and
In a few years he has won the distinc-
ton of being the next best second base
man in the league. Eddie Collins being
considered his only superior. The ball
team which now represents the National
Capital has been developed there. and
under the Griffith regime this system
will be continued. The day when a club
could go out in the open market and pur-
chase seasoned material has long since
passed and 1t is now a question of what
can be developed.
That Walter Johnson owes his wonder
full proves as a pitcher to the fact that
he was quite young man before he ever
took up the sport IS the contention Of
most players. incidentally, it is believed
that johnson will last as long as he
wants to, for there does not seem to be
any danger of his arm ever giving out.