The Washington times., 1915-08-28


in which Chicago. Boston and Detroit
have fortified against the possible hour
of adversely. Otherwise there would
have been no opportunity for the three
clubs mentioned to gain such predom-
inant strength.
The American League Is simply m
fortunate that this condition prevails.
At least Ave clubs OF the circuit arc
confronted by the stupendous task OF
building to a degree OF excellence far
hieher than the mark set year ago
II they hope next year to vie with Bos-
ton. Detroit. and Chicago. Every club
In the National League has a gooc
fighting chance for this seasons PEN
nant, and the prospect Of starting a
new year at least on some sort of even
terms.
No one questions the right or fairness
of any promoter to go out and make a
market for himself IL ne can improve
his club. 1t may prove bad business In
the long run. but that Is his own per-
| sonal lookout. Personally l should like
to see the American League better bal
anced than it promises to be in 1916.
Suggestions have been advanced that 1t
might be well to pass a rule prohibiting
the sale or exchange Of players between
clubs in the same league after the cham
pionship race had reached a certain
stage, say June 18th. each year. Such
rule might be all right If applied only
to the recognized stars. But 1t would
be likely to work hardship on the
player of ordinary ability. Many OF
these through prevailing waiver customs
are saved a trip to the minor leagues.
Detroit's pennant chances are not
quite so bright as they were a week ago.
Boston has been our chief source of
annoyance all season, and continued so
! to be on their last visit to Navin Field.
The Tigers fought valiantly for every
hn hos
account Of themselves. The Red Sox
have a distinct advantage in the sched-
ule, for they finish the season at home
Carrigann's men have weathered this
| last Western trip admirably. They will
return home we'll fortified for a winning
stand. Detroits main chance Is to rout
the enemy out OF its own trenches. Our
final series in the Hub is likely to tell
] us possibly by reducing the Red Sox
| fortiflcations. but we can expect little
| outside assistance from the rest of the
| field. Boston Is quite likely to win as
! otten from the also rams as We.
,P player Of Joe Jackson's worth Is
bound to make his presence felt sooner
Or or iater With club Of such strength as
went to Clarence Rowland bit too late
| 70 balance the pennant scale In favor OF
Snicaso this season. Chicago has but
nNe games remaining with each OF De.
|
| CUBS Carrigan must win. If at all. Ir
the ten games he Is not likely to be able
to make up the difference of the fivt
games he would need. There is some
| talk that Chicago is on the point of Sc
| curing Shortstop Chapman from Cieye
iand. Chapman would prove an excel,
lent addition, but he, too. would arrive
TOO late. There is no denying the fac
that Boston enjoys. principally through
schedule, distinct advantage. Detroi
seems the only apparent stumbiin.
| block of the Red Sox
The National League race continue,
/ to be as interesting as ever, but I AN
or the opinion that time has just abou
eliminated Ave of the clubs that hav,
been contenders thus far. Cincinnati
New York. and st. Louis hold mathe
matical chances only. Pittsburgh ant
| Chicago are bare outside possibilities
Philadelphia. Brooklyn. and Boston ar,
very much In the thick Of tn,
fight. and 1t looks more and NOR,
as IL the three will have the final say
Philadelphia must he commended for II,
gallant work. 1t has kept in front IL
spite Of dozen deadly challenges. Il