The Washington times., 1920-03-21


ington, on April 3, | am confident III
and leading the champions In numD'
AS matter of fact. the Grihs are
not in the best of shape for the Cln-
cinnati series. Joe Judge Is the only
infieldcr who can peg across the ala =
mond without giving thought to his
wing. The firstsacker " in fine phys
ical condition and seems in for a fine
start.
Joe Leonard, whose hitting and
fielding is all the doctor ordered, car
ries a lame whip and is taking no
chances. The same goes for Jimmy
O'Neill, the new shortstop from the
Texas League. Ellerbe's arm Is not
sore, but 1t is weak. Stanley Harris
and Shannon, while not suffering as
much as the others. are Still unable
to cut loose with any hard throws.
Outfelders Are Ready.
Grifrith's outfielders, Roth, Rice,
Milan and Shanks, are ready Tor thelr
best endeavors against the champions
of the world. Roth is bit under
weight and is careful about throwing,
but the daily work will soon see him
pegging to the plate. His batting
, eve seems satisfactory, but he IS TAX
ing no chances on the bases as yet.
Sam Rice, as a centerhelder, Is ex-
pected to set the league anre TINS
SEASON. He has more speed than
Milan and stronger arm. Two I'M
portant factors in the middle garden,
Rice is hitting well and is counted
on to set a fast pace from the NeHy
beginning Of the season.
president Griffith is pleased with
the way Milan has taken hold OF the
work in left field. Milan Is a big I'M
movement over any player in that
nosition last year and, II his health
remains good, he should prove big
asset to the Washington team
pitchers Need Work.
No criticism is aimed at the pitch-
avs when il is stated that what they
need most is work, and plenty OF IT,
The only way pitchers can rid them :
ae,yes of sore arms is to work out
Tho soreness. President Grifith, nav
inc been a pitcher himself, is wen
aware of this and he means 10 uS'
every one of his squad IN the cum
ing games against the Reds
@Johnson really trains himself, ek-
n,sins the Washington leaoer
never pay much attention 10 hih'' W
the others have to be watcheu
frI,v lest they overdo things. They IL
c,iyon enough work in these
a
.rbihitions to fit them for the more
important games to be, played aIter
,nriI IA But no one Will be per-
nittcd to hurt himself
Erickson. the blonde righthahuer'
g. in the best shape of the entirc
hupch of hurlers. Trainer Martin IL
aways trailing him. cauttoHlhE nm
against too much enort. Erlchso,
rcady now to pitch six innings at
10 do n
himself a real big league star TINS
season.
He's SIN Undecided.
President Griffith is still undeciueu
as TO the makeup of his inhe!d lor
the opening Of the American League
campaign 1t is probable that several
combinations will be tried against
Eoston, Philadelphia and New YORK
early in the season, the strongest
collection being then selected Tor a
complete trial and not changed until
the individuals in it fall down.
Judge. first base; shannon. Seconn
base. El'erbc. shortstop, and Leonard.
thirL base. seems likely to be started
,;rst O'NcilI IS considered certain 10
q ne rIaCed at shortstop for triAI, put
whether Ellerbc will be bcnchcd OF
replace Leonard at third remains 10
be seen.
president Griffith is also likely TO
try Maurice shannon at shot, WIN
stanley Harris at second, HARRIS
seems \ better fielder than shannon
AZ second. but tho latter is n scrappy
nIsvcr. who should be valuable 90 the
team somewhere.
Tampa has proved q good training
camp for the Washington club. Bar
ring the frst week. when tho entire
country suffered from billiards. in the
North and rain all over Dixie, the
players have not lost any practice.
Though he says nothing at this time,
President Griffith may return here
next spring to put his players. in
shape.
Cubnns Are Scheduled.
TAMPA, Fla, March @l.-ln order
that the Griffmen get chance ut
some good hurting before tackling
the champion Cincinnati Reds on
TUESDAY President Griffith has called
off today's game with the Tampa
club and will play the Havana stars
today and tomorrow. Tuesday the
Grifrs expect to go up against the
Reds i'm fine form.
Something looking like real big
league pitching was offered the
Grlffs yesterday by Johnson, Court
ncy and shaw. Will" hits or AL
yarez and Tucro. the Havana pitchers
yrcrc none too plentiful. the Grifrs
came through with n 3toO victory
over the Cubans..
Griffs pitching noes were in fine
fottle. Johnson allowed one hit in
three frames, Courtney was nicked
for two, one scratch hit and an
81 NIL hrppyGn