The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-10-24
MEANWHILE RUMOR
AROUSES HUB FANS
McGraw's Alleged Offer for
Braves Shortstop Causes
Concern in Boston.
ny FREDERICK G. LIEB.

Boston Is pretty much perturbed over
the report that John McGraw, manager
OF the Giants, had made the Braves an
offer for Rabbit Maranville, the great
little shortstop of the Boston team. AS
one Bostonian put It, "If the Braves
let go of Maranville, they might as well
take down their shingle."
Officials of the New York club will
not admit that any offer had been made
to the Braves for Maranville, but 1t
would not be surprising. Several days
ago the writer predicted that when Me-
Graw swung trade II would be one
similar to that of 1908, by which half
of the present Giant infield likely will
leave the team.
McGraw never objected to giving
quantity for a player he wanted. In
1908 he gave up Mccain, Dahlen.
Browne, Bowerman and Ferguson for
Bridwell, Tenney and Needham. When
he wanted Pitcher Art Fromme in 1913.
he gave up Red Ames. Josh Devore and
Heinie Groh. Groh then was a kid but
already had displayed great promise.
In 1916 to get Herzog back third
time McGraw gave up Mathewson,
Roush. McKechnie and $4,000 1t was
through these deals that the Reds pro-
cured the greatest stars of their present
worlds championship aggregation-Groh
and Roush. Both were utility men when
McGraw disposed of them.
Internationally there would be a ter
rible uproar If Boston let the Rabbit
go for some veterans of the Fletcher
Zimmerman vintage. Boston might even
take the transfer of the Brave franchise
to Toronto with a sense of complacence,
Boston Club Needs Money.
Were It not for the Nehf deal of late
last season. 1t is likely that the Maran-
Vile talk would not be taken seriously
either in New York or Boston. But IL
the Boston club gave up its best pitcher
because in the language of George
Stallings. "the price was so attractive
the club couldn't afford to turn It down"
then why Is 1t not just as feasible for
the Braves to sell their star shortstop
because of similar reason?
There is no question but that Rabbit
Meanwhile would look mighty sweet in
the Giant infield. He is a player with
a personality, who would go strong in
Gotham. II McGraw can put over the
Maranville DEAL it will be a great
feather in his cap, but It will start a
lot of commotion in the National League.
There were a lot of reports around last
winter that Charles Stoneham OF the
Giants financed the deal by which
George Washington Grant became the
owner of the Braves. It was denied, OF
course, out IL was true tnat Grant had
desk space in Stonehams Office before he
took over the Boston club. The deal by
which the Giants got Artie Nehf last
winter lent color to the stories that
Stoneham had a friendly interest in
Grants venture.
II the Giants want to brace up their
infeld they will have to do 1t during the
winter. Several National League club
owners already are framing legislation
which will be put through at the annual
meeting next December which will pre-
vent any deals between National League
clubs after July I. The measure is
backed by Hermann. Dreyfuss, Hickey,
Baker and Ebbets, and enough votes are
insured to put it over. It will prevent ,
such deals by which the Giants procured
Douglas and Nehf late last season.
The American Leagu also is consider
ing the adoption of similar legislation,
and, taking It all in all. it will be a good
thing.