The Washington herald., 1915-10-04
Alex Willing to Work
-Four Straight Games
Mainstay Of Moran S Quakers
Wants to Stand Blunt
of Burden.
JOE WOOD IN OPENER

The classiest pitching staff that eve
battled under one standard versus
pitching staff composed Of one real sta
and several ordinary twirlers-that's th'
way the Red SoX and Phillies size up il
pitching departments.
But the overwhelming advantage of tn,
Red Sox in its defensive department. a!
a whole. is minimized by the fact that IL
a world series the whole staff doesn't
get a chance ~to perform-the mound
dwelling is delegated to two or three
pitchers at the most Sometimes jus,
one pitcher does the bulk of the work
And because this is the case, the pitch.
ing department OF the Phillies must be
considered practically equal to that OF
the Red Sox in the short world series
clash.
Grover Cleveland Alexander stands out
today as the greatest defensive pitcher
in the game. The Sox have a wonder
hurler in Joe Wood. yet even Wood
must yield first place TO the pitching star
of the Phillies.
Wants to Pitch Four Straight.
Upon the mighty arm of Alexander will
rest the hopes of the Philles' supporters.
And Alexander, if right. certainly will
justify the confidence that is placed in
him, because the game never has known
a pitcher who. in a crisis, could rise to
such sublime heights.
Alexander has asked to work in the
first four games of the world series. but
Manager Pat Moran has turned down
this amazing request. Moran believes
that Alexander could stand up under the
terrific strain of pitching four games in
a row, and he feels that if Alexander did
work in those four games it probably
would cinch the pennant for the Phillies.
But he knows that the strain ultimately
would tell-that it would shorten Alex
ander's career as a pitcher.
Alexander undoubtedly, will pitch the
opener and will be sent to the mound
again for the third game. The result of
the duelng UP to that time will decide
Moran as to when to work Alexander
again.
Demaree May Spring Surprise.
Demaree probably will get a chance
AT the SoX. and when Steamer Az is
going good he's one of the best little
pitchers in the game. Demaree is some
what erratic in pitching. One day he
will pitch a shut-out game. The next
day he will yield a dozen hits. The Red
Sox may bat him all over the lot when
he starts-and Demaree may shut them
out At any rate. it's a good gamble for
Moran to shove Demaree at the Red SoX
for the second game. using Mayer or
Rixcy. the huge southpaw. for the fourth
game.
Manager Bill Carrican just now is in
quandary as to which man to work in
the opening combat. Bills choice isn't
nadr for him as is Moran's. He's got six
;wirlers. every one on edge. and every
one of almost equal skill
Wood in Opener.
If Joe Woods arm is back in real con-
dition Carrican probably will send
Smoky" against Alexander If it isn't. :
Shore "A youncster. may get the honor. !
When Ncan GrcGg-is in condition there
isn't better left-hander in the country. |
But Gregg arm has been ailing all year.
and CarIisan may not work him. George !
Foster and Dutch Leonard seem sure /
of getting onto the firing line, especially !
il the series is a long one. and Babe" |
Ruth. the yOungster will be held in re-
serve for relief work-and for pinch !
hitting purposes.
Ruth n Real SlugEer.
Ruth is one of the best batterS on the
club and easily the greatest slugger.
He has smashed out nine doubles. one
triple and four home runs during his
infrequent appearances at the bat, and
he will come in handy in pinches.