New-York tribune., 1917-12-22

The colonel expressed keen disap-'
pointmont over the failure of ms team
10 land one or more Of the American
League stars banded about at the DIG
conference. But he has not gwen Up
hone OF efFecting one or more traces
or purchases Of merit, and hopes TO be
able 10 make some definite and pointed
announcements in the very near future.
Colonel Rupert has been in commu-
n!cation with Miller Iuggins. the man
ager Of the Yankees, on deal when
Wild Bill Dorovan's successor IS work
ing. The nature OF this deal the colonel
would not say. But IL is believed the
long sought Tor Derrill Pratt, second
baseman OF the Browns, is involved
Huggins is in st. Louis az the present
time.
Many Players Involved
Il is further stated. though not Of
lcially confirmed, that the pending ne
gotiatons are quite as broad as the
original scheme. which had for its OBJ
ject the transfer Of First Baseman
George Ssler to the big city. Indeed
90 rumor has il. the Sisler end of the
idea has been revived.
Originally this scheme suggested the
possible loss to the Yankees Of Roger
Peckinpaugh, universally regarded as
the most valuable shortstop of either
major league. Present negotiations DO
not involve Peck. for he would never
have been sacrificed but in the event Of
the locals securing a shortstop almost
az valuable. Such an one was Doc
Lavan, but Lavan is with the WASH
ingtons now.
Fielder Jones is going to remain IN
control of the Browns next year. lie
is standing pat on a $4,000 term con-
tract. which gives him absolute sway
on the plaving end. Jones is sort OF
fanatic on the subject Of pitching. lie
believes fine twirling corps Is the
real answer to managerial success. IN
deed. he demonstrated the fact back IN
1906 with his hitless wonders when the
White Sox won nineteen IN row 10
clinch the pennant, afterward beating
the supposedly invincible Cubs OF
Husk Chance.
If anything could persuade Fielder
Jones to part with Sisler il would be
nitchino talent of worth. The New
York American League club, better than
any other in organized baseball, can
produce such allurement. This CLUB
had so many good pitchers on its pay
roll last season that about one halt oil
them were in the way. Instead OF four
or five working in rotation, about all
of them were so good they tempted the
management to regular turns, and the
whole staff went more or less TO seed
from lack Of hard work.
Several Young Pitchers
In addition to the eight box men car
ried all wear, the Yankees had about
as many more youngsters Of worth
planted in fast minor leagues. The rec
ords of these prove them about ready
for the bigger game. Included in the
number are big Ed Monroe. Bill Piercy,
Dan Brady, Dan Tipple, Markell and Bob
McGraw-not to mention such pur-
chases as Southpaw Thormalen, OF the
Orioles.
There is scarcely any conceivable
end TO which the Yankees cannot go If
pitching talent will really land George
Sisler. who in New York would be al
most as great a drawing card as Ty
Cobb. The Yankees, however, received
several setbacks TO the pitching staff
since last fall which would have been
fatal to a club boasting only an ord!-
nary strength. Two Of last seasons
veterans have Joined the colors.
Ray Fisher enlisted several days ago.
Bob Shawkey, leading Yankee pitcher
in Ia16. ANNOUNCED his enlistment yes
terdav. Fisher might have been util-
ized 10 advantage in some trade. De-
troit was sweet on him and for run
getting club like the Tigers the YER
mont schoolmaster probably would have
been next to invincible. Shawkey was
the most dependable right'hander, on
the staff of Miller Higgins. His loss
will be felt keenly.