The New York herald., 1921-12-17
Major Leagues Act to Help
Both Philadelphia
Teams.
By DANIEL.

Inc Nretcneo condition OF both Rls1ia-
delphia clubs apparently came In for
considerable discussion at the Joint
meeting OF the National and American
leagues at the Commodore yesterday af-
ternoon. Ways and means of lending
the cellar occupants some assistance
brought about the passage Of a change
in the rule regarding waivers. 1t was
provided that the Phillies and the Ath-
ietics should get first choice OF all play
ers on whom waivers are asked in their
respective circuits.
The change stipulates that In the event
two or more clubs put In claims for g.
player on whom waivers have been
asked the team holding the lowest po-
sition in the league standing shall have
prior rights. This reform has been agi-
tated for many years. Some of the
owners are in favor Of Incorporating
something along that line into the draft
regulations just as soon as the draft
proposition is ironed out
The joint meeting did not so into the
draft question. nor did il tackle the rule
which prohibits world series players
from transforming, and which got Ruth
and Meusel into their mess. However. the
club owners took UP the question or al
lowing larger rosters and increasing the
be out on optional agreements. Judge
Lands informed the owners that he had
uncovered considerable evasion OF the
optional agreement rule and considerable
subterfuge. He insisted that hereafter
everybody adhere to the rules, and that
everything be above board.
15 Allowed Out ON Option.
As a result the number Of players who
may be sent away to minor league clubs
under optional agreements was raised
from eight TO fifteen for each major
league club. Some of the owners tried to
increase the roster from forty to forty
five, but this move was defeated. AS
each club Is allowed to carry 25 active
players after May Is. the other fifteen
allowed under the 40 player rule will
be sent away on option. This will make
It well nigh impossible to beat the rule
and will reduce the number of players
owned outright by minor league clubs.
The leagues voted that hereafter no
club with full roster--forty players
may send in a claim for a player on
whom waivers have been asked. Hereto
fore many clubs have claimed a man
and then released one to make room for
the newcomer. II q club claims a man
on whom waivers have been asked and
within five days. Likewise club may
withdraw a call for waivers within five
days. The Judge insisted that this rule
bs made equitable for both sides.
It also was decided that II club gets
n player by the waiver process and asks
for waivers on him within thirty days
during the playing season and ninety
days during the off season, the team
from which he was obtained shall have
,irst claim on him.
Scouts Get Attention.
The club owners passed rule pro-
hibiting umpires from acting as scouts.
ind they also decided that no scout may
work for more than one club. Some
scouts have done duty for two and three
clubs in the majors and few In the
minors, and many abuses have developed
from this condition.
Judge Lands was relieved OF the labor
of considering the cases OF voluntarily
retired players who apply for privilege of
returning to active duty. The player
VIII take his case to the president of his
league, who will then pass on his verdict
10 Judge lands. This will not hold in so
far as players who Jumped contracts and
reserve clauses are concerned. These
viii have to deal directly with the Judge,
quite u lew nave dppifcQ " AOi
reinstatement. Jimmy Hickman and Lew
Malone OF the Dodgers, Harris of the
Clevelands and Hoeffner OF Pittsburgh
are among those who are waiting for
.he Judge 70 pass on their cases. It is
reported that all three will be allowed
10 come back.
The days deliberations began with q
meeting OF the advisory council, which
once more tackled the question Of the
draft. The minor league representatives
said that the draft would be readopted In
:. month IL the major leagues accepted
tho proposition Of paying $500 for each
player drafted from q Class AA league
and would agree to return him to the
club from which he was drafted at half
price il he was not wanted.
The $500 idea may be adopted, but
slie majors are not likely to accept that
half price proposition. They do not feel
shat they ought to pay s3,750 merely for
the privilege OF looking a Class IA
player over in the spring.
The council VIII go back TO work to-
day. The Joint meeting OF the major
leagues, however. Is over. Some Of the
club owners and managers remained
here last night to talk trades and attend
roast pig dinner given by Carry
uerrnlann-Cincinnati style.
yeach Sure for nni.ces.