The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-08-09

pennant is a possibility. But the
in row very frequently. They
schedule for that.
There is some difference between
the Griffs Of 1921 and the Boston
Braves Of 1914, the miracle team,
which rushed from last place on July
TO the pennant and a worlds title.
George Stallings had three castiron
pitchers in Bill James. Dick Rudolph,
and George Tyler. They pitched in
turn twice around, then took an ex.
ira days rest before starting in over
again. On the off day two or three
second-string pitchers replaced the
regulars with more or less success.
But the point is that Stallings' big
three could pitch winning ball with
two days rest.
1t is apparent after Sunday
debacfe here that Manager Mcbride
does not believe his own Big Three,
Johnson. Mogridge and Zachary,
can turn the trick shown by James,
Rudolph and Tyler. Either that or
he does not think the time ripe to
make his break for. the tape.
- Need Their Rest.
/ 1t is more than likely that, judg'
ing from his handling Of his staff
this season, Manager Mcbride does
not think his three first string twirl.
ers able to take the punishment
handed out to Stallings' pitchers.
Johnson is a veteran Of many hard
campaigns. He is not as strong as
ne once was. He does his best work
with three days rest after each
game. And yet, II Walter could
see pennant victory coming with
added effort, he might find a way to
sleep longer or something and work
oftener on the hill.
Zachary is a big fellow and young,
too, but he has always done his best
work when three days interviewed
between his appearances. But sup
pose the whip and spur were put
10 him, wouldn't he answer It? He
is game as they make 'em. He takes
the best care OF himself. And with
that pennant waving before his I'M
imaginative eyes, maybe Jezebel
would be able to go through the
awful grind.
Mogridge-Well, No.
As for George Mogridge-well,
no; he would hardly be able to stand
the pace. Willing as they make
them. game as a pebble on the shore
of the sounding sea. Mogridge lacks
the physical stamina TO stand up
under the gruelling punishment
peeded were the Griffs to make their
squirt right now. 1t is more than
probable that Manager Mcbride has
drought over Just this situation.
NThe rest of the pitching staff num-
hers nobody able to replace Mo-
gridge, either, in such a struggle
20 get into first place. Little Jose
Acosta is probably the best OF the
lot. but he lacks the strength TO
stand up under the strain.
Had Jim Shaw amounted to any
thing more than a plugged nickel TINS
season he would be the logical lad to
ill out the staff. Strong as an OK,
given plenty of courage. Shaw would
naturally be the pitcher TO INT rlght
into the staff called upon for this work
ahead of the team. But Shaw has
done nothing worth while since they
cut out the shine ball. He is not as
valuable now as Lefty Games, ana
Gaines has left the team.
A Forlorn, Hope.
Winning the 1921 pennant is for
lorn hope for the Griffmen. They
have suffered all year for the want OF a
strong right.handed pitcher able TO
take his turn. Johnson started slowly.
When he finally got going the golden
opportunity had just about faded from
view.
Jim Shaw had nothing at Tampa ex-
cept an appetite. lie has mad nothing
since.
Olaf Erickson is a mystery. Big and
strong, game enough when facing the
Indians, but weak as water against
ANYBODY else, he should have been n
likely candidate for that open fourth
place on the pitching staff. But he
isn't. 1t is doubtful II he ever will be.
A fine chap personally, clean and
rightminded. but as a pitcher he ism
there, Sometimes we think that the
only way to get Olaf to deliver the
real goods is to get a Norwegian to
order him around. Then he might get
mad enough to fight all the way and
win a whole lot of games. Mcbride Is
not Norwegian.
Jose Acosta Is another game little
fellow, but that little" tells a lot. lie
can't repeat often enough in this
league. He ranks as relief hurler
OF parts, along with Mr.. Courtney.
Neither has the physical strength TO
pitch nine innings at top speed.
Therefore, IL the Griffs fail to win
the banner this season. all the blame
will not be upon the head of the genial
George Mcbride nor upon that OF the
smiling Clark Griffith. A willing
horse can only go so far. The Wash.
ington pitchers are not strong enough
TO bring this thing about unless the
miracles touched upon above take
Mace. Personally, we believe the age
of miracles has passed.