The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-24
CRIFF AGAIN OPnE
NEGOTIATIONS FOR
RED SHORTFIELDER

By RAY HELoRsEN.

Negotiations for Larry Kopf. Gin
cinnati shortnelder. which were
dropped about two weeks ago when
the Griffs jumped into the market
for Johnny Mitchell, the Yanlss' high
priced recruit, are on again and q
deal bringing the RED iniielder here
hinges only ON the waiving out Of the
American League . particular player
now on the Nationals roster. accord
ing to q statement made by Presi-
dent Clark c. 9rifIith last night. The
trade will be a player-for-player deal.
according to Grifiith. and will prob
ably be contaminated within the next
two or three days unless some UNI
foreseen obstacle is met.
Garry Hermann signincd his Will
ingness to trade Kopf-for, salts
factory consideration-at the meet
ing Of the minor leagues In Buffalo
early in December. Since that time
daeis for the .shortheider have been
rumored all over. both In the Ameri-
can and National circuits. but up to
last night nothing definite was given
out.
1t is known that Grinith and Herr
mann discussed 4 trade involving
Kopf while the two were attending
the annual meetings of the majors
in New York this month and 1t was
believed at that time that the short
stop would be brought here. .
GriR Mum On Lseal PlayeP.
Later, however, Grifith called on
negotiations with the owner of tns
brown derby. Griff evidently think
ing that he had q good chance of
landing Johnny Mitchell to perform
here next season.
The Yankees held Mitchell At q
prohibitive price. according 70 New
York reports and after a series or
conferences with the twin colonefs,
Grin dropped on or Broadway with
his check book still a check book
and not a wreck, which It unques-
tionably would have been had he
accepted the Yanks' propositions.
With the chances or gettinE
Mitchell gone. Griff returned to his
first love and again started nego-
tiations with Hermann for Kopf.
This time he will probably TO
through with the deal. in which
case Koprs coming here snouid ve
announced within . few days.
Who fs to leave the Washington
club In exchange for tho short
fielder Is not yet known to anyone
except the uncommunicative Mr.
Griffith. However. Griff states it's
strictly . player-for- player-dea
no cash fnvolved-and that leaves
plenty OF room for those who are in
a speculative mood.
III kopf comes here he will plav
IN the shortfield and no place else,
according to Mr.. Griffith. Kopf. NV
the way. can play either seconc
third or short, though he aeems
silehty more capable at the latte,
shanks Satisaes GrfH.
GRIN, however. is entirely sat,..
NED with Shanks at third and claim,
that the fielding and hitting rec.
ords released this week bear on,
mis- numerous assertions last sum.
mer to the effect that nobody. in
ciuding the sporting writer's. real.
izeo the value of the Merciles,
Monacan.
kopf's best season was in 1914
the year the Reds won the National
League nag. Aided by a few nil.
lows the Reds had little trouble In
taxing the world championshir
that year.
hopf was one of the main cogs
IN the Reds victory in the National
League His play was steady and
consistent throughout the season
ana at times he turned in some OF
the most brilliant plays of the year
During the last two seasons. how
ever. Kopf has been playing only
fair baseball, but Grifith fully be-
Heves he can be brought back to
his 1919 form. In case that proves
possible Griffith says he will be fully
satisfied.