New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-02
Yank Manager
To Trade Two
Star Players
Colonel Rupert to Discuss
Changes in Team With
Higgins at Louisville

Miller Higgins, new manager OF
the Yankees, who returned 10 his
home in Cincinnati Immediately af-
ter signing his contract without Civ
ing out any hint Of his plans for next
season, has arranged to meet Colonel
Rupert at the annual meeting OF
the minor leagues at Louisville, No
vember II. At this meeting, IL is
understood, he will 60 over with
Colonel Rupert some plans FOR
changes ne wants to make in the
New York club.
There is probability that these
plans may involve Ray Caldwell, for
many years regarded as the best Of
the Yankee pitchers, and Fritz Mai
sci, the little speed demon Of the
team. 1t is said that these two play
ers may be used as trading material
TO secure another outfielder. and pos
sibly catcher.
There Is hardly club in the Amer
can League that has not at some time
or other desired TO get one or both OF
these athletes. But prior TO this the
owners Of the Yankees were not dis
posed to part with them. While Cap
tain Huston was here there was no
chance of Caldwell being traded or solo
to any club. Captain Huston made up
his mind that Caldwell would either
behave and play with the Yankees or
not play at al. Il was matter OF
principle with him and he did not care
for the cost. He had also declared
Maisel would not be disposed of.
Captain Huston In France
However. things have changed great
iy since Captain Huston went 10
France with the American expedition
airy forces. The Yankees have Just An
ished the most disastrous season In
many years, and the finish was the
more ignoblc because they had been
Inquired as one OF the strongest clubs In
the league when the season opened.
And two OF the vital factors In that
Both had been counted on heavily and
both fell down with q terrible thud.
.Caldyell. who seemed TO have reached
top form IN the South. won thirteen
and lost sixteen games during the year.
But, moreover, he fell from grace again
ami had 20 be set down by Bill Done
van, and for period of nearly a month
was out Of the Yankee lineup.
Maisel, drilled at second, was e1-
pacted 70 fill the gap that has given the
club so much trouble for years. At
first he seemed impossible, but with
time he improved in his fielding until
he played the bag fairly well. But with
this Improvement he fell of in his hit.
ting until he had the worst year he
has ever experienced in the big leagues
He closed with an average Of 1871, about
the lowest be has ever compiled in hrs
life. Nor did he make I'd for il in
any manner by Ids Wanted speed. So
he was very much OF dead loss dur
ing the year.
Desire a Change
Il was the opinion at the close Of TIE
season that both Of these athletes de-
sired q change of scene, aud undoubt-
eddy both would improve with change
Charles Comiskey made n bid FOR both
players last year, but was not willing 70
exchange players worth while. He
wanted 10 pay cash, and the Yankee
owners were looking for players
Another feature that helped 10 block
former deals for them was the sire OF
their contracts. Caldwell was getting
5000 last season on the last year o,
his three-year contract. Naisel Was
supposed 70 be getting $1,000. Both
these contracts have expired. and u IL
certain that they will not be renewed at
those figures or anything approaching
them. Both were war contracts. Az
lower salary figures there are q nun
Der OF clubs that could make good
deals for these players Connie Msck
would have made an advantageous
trade for Caldwell last year but for the
salary attached.
Higgins, who IL noted a. one Of ire
bes; traders In the game, may be able
20 swing some deals that Will bring the
Yankees players TO strengthen their
weak spots. What Higgins desires most
as q starter is another catcher TO work
with Walters and NunsmAker, and an
other outfelder % 90 with Gilhoolsy
and Narsans.
Fisher May Go
II adlSel ana thlONeii are ulbpoSt6
OF there will be but one player remain.
ing Of the old Yankees. He is Ray Fisher.
and there Is no certainty that he Will
be retained next year. He did not have
a good season, winning less than half
his games and being in bad health for
a part Of the season. Al the same time.
Fisher may not come back 70 baseball.
His contract also expired THE year
and he will have 10 come back at mach
reduced figures. At the time he signed
his other contract for $500 for thres
years ne declared that he intended -
retire at the expiration Of the tern. Ne
has been studying law for some ysers
and intends to open up an Once In bis
home town in Vermont.
The agitation FOR Sunday baseball
which has been started by Charles
Ebbets will probably be supported By
both New York clubs. For years tho
Giants have refrained from making
any move for Sunday baseball and tn.
Yankees have never attempted 70 take
the initiative. But now that the bali
has been started rolling they are ex-
pected TO give Il . push.
O'Dowd Has Easy