Evening star., 1915-02-01
BY j. ED GRILLO.

Whether the American League VIII
,dopt yulc limiting each club to a
certain number of players is decidedly
doubtful 1t Is known that quito
number OF the club owners do not ap-
prove of a limit, despite the fact that
the National League has adopted such
a rule.
Manager Grin1th. for instance, IS
against putting a limit on the number
of players to be carried.
personally 1 am going to cut down
10 as small a squad as I can AFFORD,
but do not believe this should be
made compulsory. 1t is certain that
no club will carry more players than
1t can use. yet 1t should have the right
70 do so If 1t sees fit. ! doubt very
much if the American League will pass
such !. rule. 1t might be that a club
With the allotted number of players
had chance to pick up valuable
man and would be prevented from do
ing so by the rules. That ought not 10
be. The managers of the American
league will carry a minimum number
Of players without any rule governing
their actions in this respect.
1t has not yet been decided whether
President Minor or Manager Griffith
will attend the meeting in New York
Monday. If President Minors business
..fairs will allow him to absent him
elf from the city he will go; If not
griffith will have to make the trip.
Despite the fact that Fighting Jim"
fillmore continues to circulate the story
that Walter johnson is receiving S22.5OO
per season for signing with the Wash
.ngton club, there is absolutely no
ruth in this statement, according to
Manager Griffith. This question was
definitely settled in the minds Of tho
directors of the local club when Griffith,
1T a meeting held shortly after john
son had been returned to the local fold.
displayed the big pitchers contract.
rhree years. Griffith insists there was
no other financial consideration with
Johnson when he signed this contract.
Walter accepted what the club ofer-
d and did not get cent more. The
federal League spreads this story for
% other reason than to make the other
l'layers disgruntled. / certainly ought
. know what was done to bring Walter
Jack to our team. and ] tell you that
,hese reports that he got more than
lis contract calls for are absolutely
Intrue."
Booth IIopper's contract with the
ashington club, duly signed and ac-
'itcher says he Is glad to get a chance
ith the Nationals. reached Manager
riffith this morning. Hopper is win
ring at Jackson, Tenn.
Ed Reulbach had an option in his
pntract for the season of 1915. and
ter getting waivers on the pitcher
"om both major leagues Owner Ebbets
IMPLY did not exercise that opeion,
hich made Reulbach a free agent.
his puts Reulbach in a position where
So, may sign with any club he wishes
e. either in the Federal League or
--ne minor league. II is said Manager
crimson is responsible for this action.
ubbie believes his young pitchers will
We "A better chance to develop II they
.', worked regularly than they would
Reulbach. who did not show much last
tSon, were allowed to take an occa-
onsl turn on the rubber. Hence he
commended his release.
There is movement on foot to have
.,e National League pass a rule pro-
biting ante-season exhibition games
;th American League teams. Preei-
mt Gaffney of tho Braves proposes to
fer a resolution to this effect. He
intends that these contests usually
crease interest in the opening Of the
aInpionship season, besides exposing
players to dangerous risk before they
well trained and in uncertain
% thcr.
Should such a rule he passed il would
.oset the spring plans of many of tine