The Washington times., 1922-06-19

an active manager, ! considered I
been a pitcher. Milan is an outfit
Last spring 1t looked as though
Gleason, Phillips, Mogridse. Zach
ary and johnson, with the occasional
Assistance of Erickson, would swing
the team right through the season.
Now, with the Fourth of July yet
to come, 1t looks as II they will
prove a sorry fizzle. That's why
an thinking of diggir~ up some.
body who can teach the youngsters
and let US forget the veterans"
The failure Of the Griffmen to
live up to expectations Is q heavy
blow to President Griffith. He
had looked forward to seeing his
team first or second from the be-
ginning to the end Of the cam.
pLgn. Now he knows that they
are doomed to make a hard fight
even TO land In the first division.
What the Griffs need as much
as anything 10 a seasoned, capable
catcher to handle the young pitch
ers. In the bullpen today is Dick
q regular place for himself. He is
of no use whatever as a coach.
He does his work well. but is not
much of a coach for the young
pitchers.
Some few years ago Jack Ryan,
now managing a team in the East
srn Shore League in Maryland.
acted as coach for the Washington
pitchers. He had considerable sue
cess. too, before being taken off the
Job to scout. Finally he was let
out and his place has never been
filled.
The Washington pitching staff
In a most uncertain proposition.
It Ia quite impossible to fOresec
or ~redict what any one OF the
huriers will do before he starts,
or even before he finishes, game.
This applies to every one, too,
without exception.
Instead of being a mighty bul.
wark for the team, johnson,
Mogridge and Zachary pitch most
uneveniy, good one day and ter
rible the next. II is doubtful II
any of the trio will finish the sea.
son a heavy winner. though Zach
ary snOulu nave feepooio
record.
Billy Smith, who has played ball
and managed minor league teams for
many years, was with the Griffrnen
in st. Louis last week. He will do
some scouting, looking for pitchers.
He believes that the major leagues
are going to be hard put to II for
pitchers in the minors.
II honestly believe that the big
league clubs will Just have to buy
minor league clubs TO use as train.
ing farms for their youngsters, es-
pecially for their pitchers" is
Smiths conclusion. There isn't a
manager In the minors today who
has the knowledge or the inclina-
tion or the time to devote TO devel-
opihg young players. especially
pitchers.
"As a result, green pitchers are
coming up every few weeks, making
q fiat failure and sinking out Of sight.
Now. II they were to be sent to some
minor league club and put through a
regular course Of training. most of
them might develop into capable
pitchers in few seasons and be right
back in fast company. The Wash
ington club 10 not the only big league
club suffering from this scarcity.
either"
By the way. Billy Smith says
that DANGEROUS Dan" Mc(srew
= today ths best pitcher In the
Texas League and Is sure to come
back for another trial with the
Grfffs. Smith says McGrew has
biinding speed food control and
was sent to Smiths Shrsveport
club shortly after the season
opened as being to green for fast
company.
Albert Younsblood. the youth.
full Indian hurler, 10 much too green
to take a regular Job with the Grtff.
mems pitching staff. Nevertheless.
his underhand fast ball is as good
ss Carl Mays and he has a serious
glories In future. Meanwhile, right
now he 10 sadly In need of instruc.
tion and until he gets that instruc.
ton, he will hardly prove OF much
value to the Griffmen.
The capable seasoned pitchers
In both leagues have been cor
raled BY the New York clubs.
Faber, ShoclSer, Coveleslsie, Ehmke,
Zachary and possibly one or two
others scattered around are the
only American League pitchers
of class not with the Yankees.
The same tale 10 true Of the Ma
tional League where Frank Nil.
Ter, Hamilton, Ruether, Doak,
Sherdel. Meadows and Alexander
ere about the only classy vet
Grams not with the Giants. To
make matters worse, practically
every New York pitcher ranks
with the best men In his league.
Ty Cobb seems to have gathered
the strongest collection of young.
sters In Pillette, Olsen, Stonef. John.
son and Cole to work with Dauss,
Ehmke and Oldham. Backed by the
savart clouting Of the Tigers, thPt
pitching staff should give Detro,
FIR IiNlsion team this SET on.
"a" rru'tL fhr sDnthpaw
FRI IN, IVsrsity Of Missouri, is