The Washington times., 1918-01-10
By LOUIS A. BOUCHER,

I ny LODIO Ne OOCVhLAH
"Stuffy" McInnis, the Mackmen's
, sizzling little first-sacker since 1911,
will hold down the initial cushion
for the Boston Red Sox lext sum-
mer. This completes the suicide Of
the American League in Philadelphia
and makes real pennant contenders
of the Boston club.
According to dispatches from New
! York, the information comes from
"a man well posted in American
League affairs" Many believe this
man" to be none other than Billy
Murray, former manager of the Phil
/ adelphia National League club, re-
Gently mentioned as probable bust
ness manager for Harry FraEee s
club next season. Murray an1 Fra
zee are intimate friends.
That McInnis WIS included in the
recent big trade, between the Boston
and Philadelphia clubs 10 the state
ment from New York, and It is further
said that Connie Mack desired secrecy
concerning McInnis' going until the
Mackmen's leader might be able to
break the news gently to the already
peevish Philadelphia fans.
Last Saturday Connie Mack admit
ted that "McInnis would have to stand
a salary cut, or be placed upon the
auction block" This is now believed
to have been Mack's first move in
acQuainting his fans that McInnis
would not be with the team in 1918.
He wanted to have it appear that Nc
Innis brought on the change himself.
Makes Trade one-sIded-
If McInnis was one OF the players
included in the Boston-Philadelph
trade, then it was a most one-sided az
fair, all in favor OF the Boston club.
This seems hardly believable.
Frazee turned over to Philadelphia
Chester Thomas, a hrst-claSs catcher;
Vean Gregg. a pitcher Of doubtful
value; Merlin Ropp, a minor league
outfelder yet to make his mark in
fast company. and $4,000. This sum
was officially announced by FraZee
himself. Connie Mack expressed sur
prise" when he larned that Frazee
had named that sum.
Connie Mack, in return for these
three players and the alleged $4,000.
gave up "StuIy" McInuis, quite the
best first sacker in either big league;
Wally Schsng. his best catcher; Joe
Bush, his best pitcher and ranked
among the best half dozen in tl.'
league, and Amos Strunk. considered
about fourth or NTH from the to.
along American League outnelders.
The apparent inequality Of the deal
causes suspicion as TO the truth OF
the official statements" from either
side.
Talk of Pooling Men.
Despite frequent deniaIs from the
high officials of the national game.
again are heard rumors that players
are being pooled. II is said that, as q
war measure. the three leading cities
in both big leagues will be provided
with the best teams and the Other
cities Will be carried along as wei
as possible by the drawing powers "a
New York, Chicago and Boston,
or years IL has been a we'll known
fact that New York has borne tai,
financial brunt OF the National Leagu,
campaigns. Chicago and Boston have
done the same for the American.
League. Even without pennant-win
ming clubs. these three cities suppor
baseball to the highest degree. The
Giants have generally been I'm the
thick Of the fight and SO there neve
was much doubt about their attend
nee nRureS.
Whether or not this lie true, recent
deals go far toward boIsterIng up tn,
idea now being spread far and near
= lay IL came over the wires from.
New. ork TO Washington.
Chicago IL Strengthened.
The White SOx have hardly been
ouched BY the draft. Even II Com
skey's club lost 30 per cent of its
stars, and finished in the ruck, SO
popular is the odd Roman" that the
South Side fans would support him,
anyway.
Every effort seems to have been
made to strengthen the Cubs, whose
ans as a rule do not journey to the
;outh Side to see the American
r.eaguers. rhe Cubs have taken Alex.
nder and Killifer from PHILADELPHIA,
so-calIed cheap town" The Phil
ies' park a. small and old-fashioned.
nd. even with pennant winner. Pat
1run's team cannot begin to draw
n the cubs. IL Weeghman's team
up in the fight for the flag.
The Giants viii lose very few play