The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-02-12

pdT1SOn VIII Lue OLuCTS anu yOU
usually means a weak infield and
fellows hits and runs.
Peckinpaugh was failure for the>
first three months Of the 1922 cam
paign. He reported overweight and
never seemed able to get started un
til midseason. He finished well
enough, but not well enough to
counteract the bad impression left
by his start in a Washington uni.
form.
Last spring, knowing we'll the rea.
eon for Peck's poor work in 1922,
President Griffith insisted on send.
ing the veteran for a preliminary
boiling out at Hot Springs. Ark, for
Q generation a haven for stiffened
athletes Of all kinds.
1t was q different Peck who ap-
peared at Tampa last spring.
as q kitten from the day he
showed up. .BIuege and GagnOn
and Jimmy O'Neill IOOked4rOOlxies
the moment Roger went to work
In the infield.
Peck began playing ball in 1910,
playing fifteen games with the
Cleveland Indians that year. This
Is his fifteenth year on the diamond,
a long, long time for a shortstop.
Last year Peck was truly bril-
liant in his fielding, and, with Har.
ris, boosted the double-play record
for the major leagues up another
notch. He and his present manager
became like a pair of sharp scissors
when it came to cutting down the
enemy.
He wasn't 800 hitter, but the
veteran proved timely hitter, driv.
ing in many runs when they were
needed most. Before the season was
one-third gone, Peck had quite won
the fans to his support, and he fin.
iehed the campaign one Of the most
popular players with the club. It
was hard work overcoming that first
impression, but he had done it.
This year again Peck goes to Hot
Springs for his preliminary work
He is expected to report at Tampa
in good shape and start right in
where he quit last fall. And right
there comes the hitch.
Peek must slow up some day.
He can't 20 on forever. He was
today. He is entering upon his
thirteenth consecutive season
under the main tent. He Is old
to baseball and it's ways.
If the Griffs get off to a good
start. this should go far toward
speeding up the veteran. Expert.
enced players Guido themselves with.
winning teams Everett Scott II
an example Of that.
On the other hand, If the Griffs
fail to get away from the mark,
his years may show themselves and
his work fall off. The squad going
to Tampa does not look to have
Peck's successor in it. Without a
shortstop, the infield will be weak
ened considerably and all opponents
benefited.
Clark Griffith laughs at any sug.
gestion that Peck won't have an
other good year Laughs cost moth.
ing. But the Washington magnate
will laugh right out loud If he
sees Peck holding up this spring,
for that will mean Bucky Harris
can devote all his attention to third
base, a weak place for three years.
If Doc Prothro impresses his boss
as capable third baseman, Ossie
Bluege may be worked more at
shortstop, his natural position.
Bluege has frequently been brilliant
In the shortfield, while he has never
been scintillating at the hot corner.
PrOthrO played third base in the
Southern Association last year
with entire success. He is not
fast enough for a shOrtst0p, but
he has powerful throwing arm,
can come In well ON slow hits
and Is strong enough to knock
the hot ones down and still get
the runner.
It is no secret that Prothro is
expected to play third base for the
Griffmen this season, Just as Bill
Conroy was carded for the Job last
year. Conroy took a sudden un.
explainable dislike to major legaue
baseball and quit altogether. Bluege
went to third and did his best un.
til he injured his knee.
Prothro is not a youngster. He
has been playing professional ball
for several years. This Is his
second trial with the Washington
club and he wants to make good,
the hotels in this circuit being
much better than those in the tall
grass.
Chick Gagnon has played third
base, however, and will be given n
trial there. He Is built somewhat
along the lines of Eddie Foster,
short and stubby, strong as a bull
and nimble on his feet, unless his
trick knee happens to feel ornery
or something.
Both Gagnon and Bluege have had
surgical operations performed On
their injured knees. Gagnon got his
playing football with the Holy Cross
eleven. Bluege twisted his last
year with the Griffs. They will be
watched closely this spring by Mike
Martin for any possible weakness
resulting from the operations.
Not much is expected Of Ed Bean
the sandlot shortfielder. He is toe
0reen. II he shows sikrs Of prom
ise, though, he will be sent to some
minor league club for needed ex
perience and get another trial IN
the fall or next spring.