The Washington herald., 1921-03-26
MBRIDE TOCARRY
STRONG RESERVE
FORCE THIS YEAR
Seven Infielders and Five
Outfielders Held on
Club Roster.
n, jack NYE.


ball man as ope would wish to see.
evidently sybscribes to the old
theory that an ounce Of prevention
is worth a pound Of cure.
In separating the sheep from the
goats among the recruits in Tampa.
the new boss of the Nationals prob
ably paused to recall the events of
last season. When hard luck seemed
to be overwhelming the team. 1t
suddenly dawned on President Grif-
nth that there was n noticeable
scarcity of reserve material. For
one week It was necessary for Mac
to take care Of the shortfield him.
self and. though he did himself
proud, Il was not like having q live
ly youngster on the job.
This was when Jimmy O'Neil was
laid up with an injury and Red
Shannon had been given the gate. At
the same time, as we recall II, Zeb
Milan was having trouble with his
legs, and Hank Shanks was doing
patrol duty in the outer works. Griff
was strictly up against 1t.
viii Garry Twenty-four men.
Fronting by this experience, Nc
Bride is holding on to fve young
sters this year and will probably
have twenty-four men on his roster
throughout the season.
In addition to Brottem, Miller.
Foss and LaMotte, who have been
conceded Jobs with the Nationals for
some days, the manager has decided
to make room for the youthful
Eddie Goebel. despite the fact that
he will need a bit of seasoning be-
fore he can qualify for a regular
berth.
Scribes In Tampa paint Goebel as a
speedy and brilliant fielder. but with
many imperfections at the bat. He
is conceded to be a conner, but the
general opinion was that he would
be sent to the bushes for another
year of seasoning. Mac evidently
thinks he can train him up in the
way Re should go better on Georgia
avenue than by placing him in the
hands Of some minor league man
ager.
with Miller and Goebel. Mcbride
will have a couple of extra out
helders for emergency use. one Of
them a seasoned chap who ought
to be able to deliver the goods
" henever necessary. And in view
of the trouble Milan usually has
with his legs. II is highly. probable
that Miller will be seen in a num-
Der Of games. even though he should
fail to win a regular berth. Goe-
bel will probably see little real ac-
tion this season.
With seven infielders on his
string. Mac should have talent
enough for any emergency. Judge,
Harris. O'Rourke and Ellerbe look
Ike the logical combination at this
lime. Foss will be a capable un-
ierstudy for the governor. so ca
o:sole. in fact. that there seems
some danger of his beating the
south Carolina boy out of his job.
will be able to step into
)'Rourke's boots at short.
In case of injury the Harris. the
second sack will undoubtedly be
AIKEN care Of by Hank Shanks, who
an also play every other position
n the inf1eld with equal skill. Frank
3rower will doubtless be used on
irst II the occasion demands, CIV
ng up his pitching work for the
ime being.
Behind the bat the 1921 Nation
lis will be decidedly stronger than
ast season, according to preseason
Indications. Ricardo Torres seems
lated for the discard. giving way
% Tony Brotten. the Little Rock
'eceiver. Charity, 'Picinich and
srottem will make a classy trio.
In reducing his payroll. Mcbride
will drop Herb McHugh, a prom
sing outfielder. and turn Andrew
cschmann over to Tommy Leach's
Tampa club. Ollie Ticker will either
'e sent to Coffeyville, Kans., wal
er Johnson's home town, or toI
in the Sally League.
The future of Tony Marhafka.
Who is also slated for the discard,
5 yet to be determined. Billy Smith |
wants him in Shreveport. but Tony
would rather play farther north |
and may wind up in the Eastern
league.