The Washington times., 1916-03-29
By LOUIS A. BOUCHER.

The first real test of the 1916 Griff-
men as a working organization will be
seen here Friday, when the Brooklyn
Dodgers. who have been slamming the
eternal daylights out OF the Mackmen,
arrive. Two contests are scheduled be-
tween the. Griffmen and the Dodgers.
who seem to be travelling at a fast
pace.
Two weeks from today the Griffmen
open the big league season against the
Yankees in New Yrk, and between now
his team into a machine that 1t Will be
able to get away to a flying start.
With two games daily. the various
combinations the Old Fox will try will
be schooled to act as one man on every
play. Much of the early success of the
team hangs on the success Manager
Griffith has along this line.
Walter johnson, Harry Harper. Jim
Shaw, and Doc Ayers seem to have de-
vclopcd faster than the others. though
Jack Bentley Is close behind them. 1t
regularly so as to provide the frst
quartet Of twirlers to- take up the
mound duties when the flag goes up.
Just what Griff will do with his extra
men cannot be foretold. 1t Is foree-
gone conclusion, though, that at least
sextet now under fire Whether five or
SIX infieldors will remain is a question,
though both Shanks and Sawyer may
stick.
II Charity produces the goods. par
tcularly in hitting, It may be necessary
for Griff to drop a catcher. -Four VIII
be too many.
The Old Fox will not keep all the
pitchers now on the squad, but just
which ones will go will hardly be de-
termined for week or so.
Johnson, shaw, Ayers, Harper. Gallia,
Boching and Bentley look like the best
OF the bunch to date. though George
Dumont's work last fall insures him
of n lengthy trial. lie is not in the best
of health, but should rapidly forge tc
the front as soon as warm weather
comes.
Eight good pitchers is enough for any
ball club, but Manager Griffith will not
release any OF his stan until he learna
Just how many are ready to pitch In
turn.
Turney Barber the slugging out
fielder, was today chosen by Manager
Griffith to play right field until further
notice. Barber has been overcoming
thoroughly against all opponents before
Manager Griffith sends him to the
bench. lit had been expected thai
Charlie Jameson would play the right
garden.
Morning workout today consisted OF
little but tossing the ball around, with
short batting drill for all concerned.
-
Tomorrow Catholic University "a
booked for n clash at Georgia avenue
with the Griffmen. Charlie Moran has
a fast aggregation in uniform out al
Brookland and every one of them will
be most anxious to make good show
Ing against the big leaguers.
Until the Griffmen leave for New
York to open the American League
campaign against the Yankees. two
games will be played daily. The regu-
lars and rockies will hook up each
morning and then viii come the regular
exhibition contest in the afternoon.
No exhibition game has been arranged
for next Monday, but for the remain
der OF the week the boys will be more
than busy. Tuesday will see the Bu-
reau of Engraving nine battling for
honors on the diamond. The Boston
Braves then appear for brace OF
games, and the Phillies, National
League champions, will finish the
week. running over to the following
Monday.