Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-03-20
PITCHER GREGG
STILL MISSING
Failure Of Veteran Twirl-
er to Show Up Worry
ing Mack
AS HAVE FINE DAY

Jacksonville. ria, March 20.
When Clarence Walker obtained in
the deal with the Red Sox, reported TO
Connie Mack yesterday 1t may be said
that the last regular position on the
team had been filled. While under or
dnary circumstances, especially in a
team that requires complete reconstruc-
ton like Macks there are usually sew
eral positions open to competition, 1t is
not difficult to predict the man who will
be successful In holding down regular
positions. Therefore when Walker re-
ported and Immediately signed the tall
tactician gave a sigh of relief. Walkers
signature to a Mack contract rounds out
what Connie believes will be the best
outer garden men he has for several
years. He is counting heavily on Old
ring to flash a great comeback. He
knows Walkers ability and predicts that
Jameson will have the best year of his
career to date.
Gregg Still Missing
Mack is certainly we'll satisfied to date
with the men he has signed and their
showing since coming here. He is be-
ginning to show some impatience be-
cause of the long delayed arrival of
Vean Gregg, the veteran left-hander,
also acquired in the big deal with Bos-
ton. Mack confidently expected that
Gregg would be here when the squad ar
rived Sunday and 1t was announced that
he was here. but this proved a mistake
Gregg was instructed to leave his home,
which is somewhere in northwest Can
ada, on March s, which would have
given him eight days start on the others.
Why he has failed to show up Is a
mystery. He even has not taken the
trouble to wire Mack an explanation for
his delay.
Mack says there is no differences be-
tween him and Gregg and that he surely
will be here. Connie is counting on the
veteran more heavily than any other
pitcher he has under contract. He con-
fidently believes Gregg will show this
year the great form that made him
among the premier pitchers of the coun-
try the first years he was with Cleve-
land. Gregg was a very-much-sought-
after man after the close of last season,
more than half dozen of major league
clubs bidding for his services. but as
Boston had a string on him he returned
to the Red Sox.
Either Cody or McAvOy
Just which man. Cady or McAvoy.
will be considered the first string catch
er this year Will depend upon the aOll-
ity they show here and in later games.
Mack is known to believe that McAvoy
is Just right to make a name for HIM
self as one of the best catchers In the
major leagues
He caught perfect ball for Baltimore
last year and Mack considers that
last season was the last bit OF ex-
perience necessary to make him shine
in the majors.
Caddy Is the biggest catcher who
ever wore an Athletic uniform He Is
even larger than Ira Thomas, who has
some bone and muscle for base
runner to move when sliding into the
plate. Cady never has been considered
irst-string catcher in Boston. where
there always has been a star to out
shine him. However. he is a valuable
man and Mack Is highly pleased in
getting him. His hitting alone should
prove an important asset to the team
II will not take many more days
such as the Athletics were favored witt
yesterday to put them in primo condi'
tion. Except for an occasional shower
II was almost ideal baseball weather
and It's effect In loosening up joint,
and taking off avoirdupois cannot b.
overestimated. Had Connie been musi
csiiy inclined he might have hummet
perfect day when he arrived a
his hotel last night.