The Washington herald., 1917-08-20
RED SOX LOOM UP
AS GIANTS RIVALS
1t Appears as Though White Sox
Can't Hold Lead Over Hub
CITY Tribe.

With indications multiplying that
the Boston Red Sox will outstrip the
White Sox in the American League
sweepstakes, the Forthcoming world
series-if fought between Barry's
men and the Giants-promises to be
one of the most stirring dimond bat
ties in the annals of the pastime, for
1t will bring together one of the
mightiest pitching staffs and one of
the most powerful arrays of batsmen
in baseball, writes Hyatt Daab,
in the New York Telegram.
Although the White Sox still lead
the ruddy hosed brigade from the Hub
by half a game, Rewland's clan will
be fortunate indeed to weather the
storms in the offing. With George
Weaver unable to play because of a
broken finger and Jim Scott also hors
de combat, the Sox have been weak
ened considerably at a time when
every bit of playing strength is re-
quired. So wan was the batting m
the recent series with the Nationals
and so uncertain has been the pitch
ing that few wise men, of the
diamond can see how the White Sox
team much longer.
League are intact. The pitching staff
is stronger than at any other time
this season and the attack is de-
veloping additional power as the
campaign wears on. The champions
are thoroughly at home in the
gruelling pace OF midsummer. They
revel in taUt situations.
But it depends largely upon the
pitching staff whether the Red Sox
engage the Giants in the autumnal
classic. II Ruth. Leonard. Shore.
Mays, Foster aid Pennock pitch win
ming ball. Chicago will have to be
content with second place. II they
fail. the White SoN. despite the un-
certain work of their own pitchers,
may hold the crest by the grace Of
efficient batting.
A world series between The Red Sox
and Giants, regardless of war condi-
tions. would probably be one of the
most profitable in the history of base
ball, for not since the Giants and
Athletics met in mortal combat for
the highest honors I'm baseball. have
two teams so evenly matched fought
for the world championship. The
White SoN. too, would be worthy oppo-
nents for the warriors Of Hampstead,
but baseball men unite in the belief
that a series involving the Red Sox
and Giants would bring more money.
And while the White and Red SoX
are battling for the honor OF repre-
sentinC their league in world series
competition the Giants, with the Ma
tional League pennant practically won,
are pursuing a policy of watchful
waiting. With a lead of twelve games
they are putting forth Just as much
of an effort to win as when they were
on even terms with the pace follow
ers. They won't ease up their pace
until the championship has been
clinched to a mathematical certainty.
Batting strength more than pitching
is enabling the Giants to hold the sum-
init, and offensive power promises to
be the main factor through the re-
mainder of the schedule. With haun
batting .3l5 and Zimmerman .305 and
other members of the club well above
the go mark. there appears no sign
of a cessation of the drive. 1t is the
old waIlop that counts most in base
bali lust as in other fields Of sport,
and it is the wallop that is enabling
the Giants TO make joke OF all rivals
In the National League.
The Dodgers are sadly contlnulnS
the formality of finishing the sched-
ule. Robbie would like very much
to guide his charges into a first
division berth, but prospects appear
to be meager, indeed. There is no
sign of teamplay in the work OF the
Dodgers. They have long since aoan-
doned pennant hopes. but Robbie stlll
is exerting every means to keep them
moving forward so they may emerge
from the hated ruck.
Il am not at all satisfied with the
playing Of the Dodgers" remarked
the chieftain of the Robin array af-
ter Mondays double-header. We've
given up all hopes of winning the
flag. but we think We are good enough
10 get into the first division, and
from now on that will be our objec-
tive.
II hope for much better results next
season, however. We shall have sew
eraI new men available, and from all
accounts they will be useful in build
ing up a winning club. There will be
number of changes, but / am not
at liberty to say just where they will
be.
There isn't anything TO the Ma
tional League race now but the
Giants. They are a great club. Make
no mistake about that. There doesn't
appear to be a weak spot on the
team, and by their batting alone
70 wiz hiey ma