New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-12-04
M'GRAW OPPOSED TO :
new PLAYER LIMIT.
Giants Leader Reaches Metropolis
and Starts Next Seasons Plans

New York. Dec. 4.-Manager John
j. McGraw, of the Giants. returned
yesterday from his vacation to helQ
prepare a definite policy for the
champion club of the National league
against next weeks annual meeting
of the Tener circuit.
There seems little occasion for
worry on the part of the New York
Nationals as to the outcome of the
pennant race Of 1918. for it was by
far the best aggregation in its COM
pany and has suffered practically none
from the military draft, while other
rivals have been pretty hard hit since
the close Of the season. 1t is known,
however, that the executive Of the
Giants does not regard with favor the
proposition of an eighteen-pla ros-
ter for major league clubs.
Personally, McGraw has always
been strongly opposed to any form OF
player limit. He has always argued
that major league clubs should I've
permitted to carry as many or few
men as they chose. Through his
influence Harry N. Hampstead has
always fought every encroachment
along this line from National league.
clubs not so fortunate in business OPP
portunity as the Giants. New York
held out stubbornly against the
twenty five player roster when it was
first adopted, and even more spiritedly
against the twenty-five limit, which
now prevails. "
One of McGraw's main arguments
heretofore against the National
leagues most conservative limit was
most logical. He maintained that
the American league, which was al
lowed to carry through the season
|, four more players than National
league rivals. enjoyed 3 decided edge
in the annual world series. This par
ticular argument will be knocked into
| a cooked hat If both leagues adopt a
| limit of eighteen players per team.
But still New York's case can in no
wise be benefited by any rule which
may be argued fair for all as for one.
Many Promising Youngsters.
The New York club today has
| wonderful collection of stars. 1t is
| doubtful If a better team could ba
picked from ali the other seven clubs.
In addition there are q number OF
very promising youngsters coming UP
for trial next spring, headed by Ross
Young, an outfielder of brilliant promo
Use. If McGraw can retain but eigh-
teen players, therefore, he must sacri-
flce half dozen or so that will BEN
eft opposing teams and make his sea-
sons work a more serious problem.
:, Inwardly for many years he has felt
! legislation toward player economy q,
IL NntN NJ
| toward landing cheaply from New
York playing talent of worth. I
The New York club cannot hope.
single-handed, to prevent pairing OF
the roster limit. The other National
league club presidents seem set on this
means toward economy. And from
hints that Ban johnson has dropped
it would appear the American league
will trail right along with the notion.
McGraw Is smart enough to rea-
lie the fact, and If he Possesses that
generalship attributed to him, doubtA
! less came to town to do the best pos.s
sible toward turning a possible re-
verse into the very best account. Tit
avenue for this saving grace lies In tha
best disposition Of surplus talent.
If the National league adopts the
eighteen-player roster it is q moral
certainty the Giants will be found on
the bargain counter with both feet be.
fore next weeks meeting breaks up
What the club most needs, irrespective
Of the eligible list, is two or three
good right handed pitchers. These
may be had at a price, Of course. New
York has the price in surplus talent
If the club has to be chopped to e!gl1-
teen. Next week is likely to be oas
of the most active ones of John ].
McGraw's strenuous career. /.