The Washington times., 1923-04-03

the Braves. He messed up a cou
not hit safely in four trips to the
Gagnon's utter failure at the bat
against Dutch Reuther and Moxie
Harper, both southpaws, in the
second Brooklyn game took him out
of the lineup. The next day Bluege
was in there to stay during Peck's
absence through injury. Gagnon's
best against Reuther was weak
grounder to Johnston, who tossed
wildly, giving the midget life. He
famed twice before Harper's over
hand hook.
Recently, in batting practice,
Gagnon wrenched his right knee:
1t is weak from an ola footoau
injury and probably will bother
him as long as he plays ball. He
was back ready to play the next
dav and runs around as though
nothing had ever happened to him.
He IS fast around the infield
and has a fine throwing arm. A
tendency to erratic playing, how.
ever. especially when compared
with the even performances OF
Bluege, has convinced Manager
Bush that the former collegIan
does not quite measure up to re-
QuirementS.
Gagnon is intelligent, learns rap
idly and has had but one years
experience in professional baseball.
when released string will be at.
tached to him, and he viii probably
be here again next spring for an
other trial. Frequently year
makes a big difference in young
ster. This is shown in Bluege s
case. He was an ordi nary player
last wear. Now he he is giving
Roger Peckinpaugh hot fight Tor
a regular job in the infield, The
same change is a possibility Tor
Gagnon.
minor league baseball behind him
should come romping back dan
gerous rival for another or the
outfielders with the team. This
yourgster from the Chicago sand
lots is the best throwing outfiaider
IN the squad. a clean fielder AMI
fair batsman.
Mcnamara is absolutely green.
He knows almost nothing about
running bases or inside DaSeDau
rs practiced by big league teams.
But he has plenty OF common
sense, listens to what Is told MIN
and with a year I'm the minors,
should improve rapidly. Mac IS
popular with his teammates. for
his cheerful disposition and he
will be welcome here next spring.
Pete Japan, though going to
Washington early, will hardly be re-
leased until 1t is known definitely
whether or not Patsy Gharrity's
eoupbone will be available this year.
If Charity can take his turn be-
hind the plate, Lapan's chances OF
staying seem small. II Charity is
rot available. Lapan may prove
valuable. However, Bill HargraVe
seems to have beaten out War
moths battery partner at Little
Rock in the struggle for a major
league berth.
Though turned back to the Wash
ington club by the Reading Inter
nationals. President Griffith insists
that Jimmy O'NeiIl will yet be or
dered by Judge Lands to report to
Reading. Spencer Abbott. the Read
ing manager, turned O'Neill back
because of alleged lack of physical
condition.
The youngster Is In line shape
for his long session here, and, but
for Bleuge. might be understudy
for Roger Peckingpaugh. The whole
matter has been placed before the
baseball commissioner who has yet
70 announce his decision.
Today q practice game Will be
played with the Tampa club, Of
the Florida State League, and,
while the regulars will start, the
whole gang is expected to get
some practice before the last man
dies in the ninth. Tomorrow an
other such contest will be staged.
The lack OF the pitching material
in the Washington squad has caused
the booking of these two games
Donnie Bush has not enough
pitchers to send against his bat
tiers, and it is a good bet that next
spring. instead of ten, at least fiji
teen hurlers will come here for
spring training. This will permit
plenty of batting practice.
Kay Beach is on his last legs.
This youngster from the KITTY
league must show something inside
of the next three days or be left
right there. IL he proves able &c
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