New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-09
Mem Federal RipetS Make
Giant Machine Stronger

He was handicapped by a bad leg last
year but will get OF on two good legs
this season and should show some
class.
Just as soon as one Of the sfore-
mentioned men slows up George Kelly
is ready 10 burst in. Kelly showed re-
markable ability In the training trip
games, and Will doubtless see service
when the opposition starts q left
handler. An idea of mis- throwing ability
may be CLEANED from the fact tina. he
threw two men out a. first base on Its
into the outfeld al Galveston.
It's Different Now.
The Giants finished seventh in club
fielding last year, ana that was d
pretty fair sort OF reason Tor them
finishing eighth in the pennant race
They did not have man who even
made a noise like leader n MS field
Ing position. SO u was that hits
which should have been converted into
outs at the bags were booted or other
wise maltreated, so that the runners
were safe. The possibilities Of runs
so made were often realized a. the
plate.
This state Of Affairs will not prevail
~ the Polo Grounds this year. There
is every indication OF complete re
juvenation OF the men.
Larry Doyle. whose deeds and mis-
deeds often caused the fans 70 gasp
their wonderment and roar their pro
test, is playing the game right up TO
the handle and is better than ever.
Moreover, Larry IS hitting the ball
right on the nose. His shoulder is
right, and he is throwing the bail with
more accuracy than ne has since the
time ne tried 10 climb tree with his
automobile.
Fred Merkle is playing the game Of
his lie. possibly because he has an adj
ditional incentive this year. George
Kelly came 10 the team as first sack
or AM is on edge. waiting for chance
10 break into harness. In the camp
AZ Marlin there was little 20 choose,
and Kelly is constantly improving
Artie Fletcher seems 10 be getting
back 10 mis- best form. His defensive
work is much better now than u was
most of last year, and he Is hitting
the ball harder.
Lobert: Well Now
The hardest task in the world is 70
write OF the decline Of man who has
grown old in service. But the demands
Of baseball are iuexorable, and il must
be said that third base is the one
questionable place on the inheld OF the
Giants.
Lobert has not rounded to his best
form, as measured by his perform
ances several years ago lie Will nave
20 work ~ much faster clip IL ne
hopes TO hold down the Jar turn. lie
s e. Frr Tee "a a . s
and the balls he once stopped with
out difficulty manage 10 get away from
him. lie may round into shape, and
We hope he does.
Hoosier Bill Rariden viii probably
10 the heavy work behind the bat, with
Charley Doom a. second-string man.
We stake our reputation - q prophet
on Rariden's making good. lie can
perform all the mechanical duties OF
a backstop and he has keen bssebai!
brain 70 direct his movements.
Good old Charley Doom IS well
known 10 the fans. He can still do his
rart in the game and Will be there in
many game.
Lew Wendell is a young catcher Of
ability. and Brad kocher. secured last
year. looks like real ind. one Of
these men will be cut loose, but that IS
a matter Tor McGraw 10 decide. They
are both high grade catchers, and 1t Is
probable that if waivers are sought
they kill not be granted.
Last, but Mayhnp Best
And now word for the second
string men Of the team-those rockies
who came up from the bushes 20 make
their bid for fame.
Herbert Hunter, Of whom we have
written much. will be in few games
on the Polo Grounds this season. lie
was secured as first baseman, but has
shown such ability az any position that
he may be groomed for the third sack.
Hunter can hit any old kind Of pitch
ing and is keen. intelligent. depend
able boy. Joe Schepner is another boy
Of promise, and then, of course, there
is Fred Brainerd, who has been up Tor
several years.
We have set forth here our opinion
OF the team. II is an improved team,
and we have said so with no attempt
10 bore one with figures and records.
II may not win the pennant and We
DO not predict such thing but we
honestly believe that the Giants VIII
be close 10 the first flight.