The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-01-31
Manager Griffith Explains Why
He Isn't Worrying Over
Coming Summer.
DUNN SPENDS MOST MONEY
Washington Club Lowest In
League When 1t Comes to
Buying Players.
By LOUIS A. BOUCHER.


cheering information handed out by
Manager Clark C. Griffith today.
Then, feeling that his foot might
have Slipped, he switched it to "a
regular team" and let it go at that
He added that he has eleven contracts
now in his safe in the new Southern
building and has assurances from as
many more players that they will be
ready when marching time comes.
OF last years regular team johnson,
Milan, Morgan, and Foster are serv-
ing wartime contracts running
through the coming campaign. Just
who the others are may be reasoned
out rather closely.
Henry Keeps silent.
Manager Griffith admitted that he
had not heard from John Henry, the
big catcher, for many weeks. So
either Charity or Ainsmith must
have signed up already.
Though his name has not been an
nounced, Shanks is thought to have
signed, but il he hasn't, Joe Judge
must have to NIL out "a regular
team"
Playing Morgan at second and Eos
ter at third leaves but one, gap in
the inheld, shortstop. Crane can
hardly have been reached so soon
sfter the trade with Baltimore, but
Grif may be thinking. of Mike Moran
for the place, If not, Mcbride is
hooked up for 1917.
Now for OutAeIders.
Milan has a hangover contract, but
two other gardeners must have fallen
into line to make out "a regular
team"
Eliminating Moran and FIaherty.
local players, Griff is left with nine
players under contract, which makes
up a complete team. Aside from
Clyde Milan, Griff has Rice, Menos-
key, Horace Milan, Elmer Smith and
Merito Acosra for his outfield.
Rice and Smith are members of the
Fraternity, but the others who were
bushers last year may not be lined
up with the Fultz crowd. Unless
either Rice or Smith, or born of
them, have signed for 1917, some
of the others must have done so.
Any combination might be termed
"a regular team" My regular
team" wouIa include Smith and Rice.
Grit Sells Ranch.
Manager Griffith has succeeded in
selling his ranch at Craig, Mont, and
may be expected to put the proceeds
into the Washington club.
Griff is already the largest indi-
vidual stockholder in the club, but
he has let it be known that he would
like controlling interest in it. For
this reason, as soon as he obtains
this money, he will endeavor to gain
even more stock than he now holds.
while 1 cannot say just exactly
what l will do" said Manager Grif-
nth today. nevertheless 1 have
enough faith in Washington to put
it in the club here"
Dunn Spends Most.
According to the official report of
the Nat. Commission, made public to-
day me Cleveland club spent the most
money for players, either purchased
or ~rafted last fall. JimDunn part
ed with 33IOO for minor leaguers and
may have to cough up $4,000 more, If
certain players are retained. This
looes not include the $4,000 paid for
Speaker, the $1,000 for Gandil Or
the money paid for DAILY and How
ard.
The Washington club conceded its
drafts, the Old Fox losing the play
ers he wanted. and so spent nothing
for draft Purchased players cost
club $3.50 and $1,000 must yet
be paid out, if some of the bushers
make good and are kept here. The
Griffmen spent the least money of
any American League club for new
men.
White Sox Second.
The White Sox run second to the
Indians, with an expenditure OF s24.-
100 and $4,000 yet TO be paid. Then
comes the Athletics with $19,TT5 and
$1,000 additional
Detroit spent $4,000 and SIO:GOO
s--..uional, the Yankees S13,4OO and
$4,000 additional, Boston $1,000 and
$500 additional, and st. Louis SO ,2JO
and $1,000 additional.
For drafted players the Athletics
spent $4,000; st. Louis, $4,000: Chi
cago and New York, each $3.50;
Cleveland, $2,7OO and Detroit, So 900
In the old league the Cubs spent
s25. 300 and $4,000 additional for pur-
chased players, and $3.50 for drafted
players, leading the circuit. The Reds,
Giants and Pirates follow after I'm
money spent. with the Phillies bring
ing up the rear.
Cubs Are Signing.
Three more Cubs have. signed for
1917. Vic Safer. Max FIack and Gene
Packard. The last pair were former
Federal Leaguers and not members Of
the fraternity.
Catcher "Rowdy" Elliot, OF the Subs.
has turned back a contract. asking
for more money.
The Brownies have fifteen players
signed, according TO Branch Rickey's
latest announcement.
Everett SCOTS salary demands
have been met by Frazee and now
twelve of the champions are in line.
aRabbIt, Is Unsatisfed.
Rabbit MaranvIIle. the Braves star
shortstop, is still unsigned. though he
had an hours conference with Percy
Haughton yesterday. Maranville
wants more than the $4,000 offered
and HauEhton refuses TO raise the
ante.
Honus Wagner. the Pirates veteran