Evening star., 1914-11-29

career where he is not apt to improve
and Griffith is figuring on having the
utility positions filed by young play
ers who may eventually be able to fill
the places of some Of the regulars
Joe Boehling, like Walter johnson, is
not under contract to the Nationals
! though it is not likely Griffith will have
any trouble bringing both of his star
twirlers into line in due time. Boeh-
ling, who was of little help to the
team last season because of an in jured
knee, did not sign when most of the
players did last fall, but Griffith will
communicate with him regarding his
contract before spring rolls arouad
SO far as johnson is concerned, nothing
has been heard from him in some time
He is no doubt aware of the Gilmore
edlct which said that the clubs of that
league We're through trying to obtain
Johnsons S services, and will drop Grif-
fifth a line sooner or later.
Griffith admits that he has decided on
no plan of arranging his team for next
season. He feels, of course. that he
should look over the several new men
who will be in the camp this spring
before deciding upon any definite plan.
Much depends on what sort of form
Henri Rondeau will show in the out
field and at the bat Ii he makes good
Howard Shanks may have a hard time
breaking into the lineup further than
TO NIL the position as utility player
Milan and Moeller are, of course, sure
of their jobs. In the infield there is hut
one doubtful position second base
Morgan VIII have to show decided i'm
provement in his work if he expects to
De the teams regular guardian of that
are to look after the other positions
as usual. and 1T is believed that GandiI
VIII return to his best. form, which
would make great improvement in
the teams chances.
There is not apt to be any material
changes in the catching staff. Henry
and Ainsmith will be slated to do the
hi5 nulK OF It., the work behind the plate.
catcher and pinch hitter.
30 1ar as the pitching staff is con-
cerned it will be largely made up of
last ,ast years material Gallia will be
crult. no doubt will report, though he
has not yet signed. His brother. who
mas taken charge of his affairs, has a
very exalted opinion of what the younr
pitchers salary ought to be-
GrlHlth. like all other managers is
not going to make any changes in his
team until he has assured himself that
the player to be let out is not the equal
of the new man chosen for the place
The fact that players frequently have
an on season and get into disfavor
with the patrons of the game is not
going to influence Griffith in the slight
est. He is more anxious than any one
else to improve his team as much as
possible, but he is not going to take
any chances of experimenting until he
knows just where he stands.
Barring, perhaps, the New York Yam
KEGS. who, if rumors are to be be-
Heved. are to be strengthened with
material which Connie Mack may let
go, none of the other teams in the
American League are apt to show much
change in their lineup in the spring.
The Boston Red SoX are sure to pre-
sent virtually the same front as last
fall. Mack will likely make few
changes aside from his pitching staff
and an extra player or two, while the
teams Of the west will present about
Continued on Third Page)