Evening star., 1917-12-15

Griffith has been on the lookout for
hychaser to plug the hole in left field
for many months-long before it was
known that this country would become
involved in the world war-and after
the plans for the Army draft were an
nounced and it became practically Ger
tain that he would be without the
services of both MenoSky and II. Milan.
the need TOR an additional capable gar
dener to team with Zeb Milan and Sam
Rice became pressing.
In landing Shotton and Lavan the
Nationals have obtained two valua Bile
ball players, who should go a long
way toward fortifying the team against
the inroads expected to result from
the calling to the colors OF athietes
already on the pay roll, and in expend-
ing $4,000 for them the Washington
club has convinced local patrons of the
game that it is not at all backward IN
putting out money in an effort to pre-
sent as high class of base ball as pos
eible.
The loss of Gallia will not be g. severe
blow to the team. judged on the work
he did last season. Gallia seemingly
has everything that goes to make
first-class pitcher, including stamina,
and one od the best curve balls pos
sessed by ANY hurler in the league, but
he repeatedly showed tendency TO
wilt when il, tight place and finished
below Johnson. Ayers. Shaw and Har-
per in the matter of games won and
lost, turning in nine victories and nm
on thirteen occasions. Du Mont was
the only local hNrler Gallia topped in
this respect.
Like Gallia, ShoSton had poor sea-
son this year. his hating record drop
ping from .2s2 in A916 to -224. which
was his record for the campaign re-
Gently ended There was good reason
for this, however. as be was far from
being well man at amy time during
the summer. The differ snce manifested
in Shotton's work last wear, compared
with his performances of previous sea-
sons, was marked on the occasion of
the first visit of the Gridmen to st.
Louis last spring. and inquiry devel-
oped that he was i'll when he reported,
end unable to do himself justice. On
the occasion of the Browns second
visit to Washington. in midseason. he
Informed friends of his that he had
begged for a little time off to get him
self in shape. feeling that with a short
rest he could recover his health: but
his request was denied. Normally,
Shotton is a player who will finish
with a batting figure around the .2s5
mark. and has the reputation of being
one of the fastest men in the game.
He is left-handed hitter and has few
1T any. superiors in getting down to
first He is thirtv-one years old. and
therefore not subject to draft. If his
health is good next year he is expect
ed to give Rice and Zeb Milan a hard
fIrht for the. batting leadership of the
team.
In Lavan the Nationals have obtained
one of The 1a shiest infiel6ars in the
Ear,e tithoueh never rated as hard
hitter. the little fellow takes a hard cut
at tire hall. and cannot he held. too
lightly by an opposing pitcher in
pinch He hats from the t1lird-base side
of the plate. Lavan can spear ground
ers to either side of him with equal
Facility. and has one of the strongest
throwing arms in the ranks of Amerf-
can League infielders. He is twenty
seven years old. married. and is a prac-
ttcing physician having graduated in
medicine at the University of Michigan
Layan's departure from the Browns
was foregone conclusion after the row
he and Pratt had with Owner Ball last
summer. which resulted in these play
ers suing the magnate for $50 600
apiece. charging that he had slandered
them in accusing the players of "lay-
ing down" on Manager Jones Both
Shotton and Lavan have been with the
Browns for a number of years and
ASIDE from every other consideration a
cha uge of scenery is calculated to do
than good.
Wltat will take rank as one of the
biggest deals in the annals of base
hall twas pulled Off at the Chicago con-
fab q hen Manager Connie Mack of the
-Athle( les sent Pitcher Joe Bush Out
felde.. Amos Strunk and Catcher Wal
lie Sch ang to the Boston Rec Sox in
exchara-e for $4,000 cash and Pitcher
yean d'regg. Outfeider Merlin Kopp
and Caa cher Chet Thomas With the
passing sof the three Mackmen involved